What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
decide
Example
I need to decide which college to attend. [decide: verb]
Example
After much deliberation, we decided to go with the cheaper option. [decided: past tense]
determine
Example
The lab tests will determine whether or not I have an allergy. [determine: verb]
Example
We need to determine the cause of the problem before we can fix it. [determining: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Decide is more commonly used in everyday language than determine. Determine is often used in more formal or technical contexts, such as scientific research or legal proceedings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between decide and determine?
Determine is generally considered more formal than decide. It is often used in technical or academic writing, while decide is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
