What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
decisive
Example
The manager was praised for his decisive leadership during the crisis. [decisive: adjective]
Example
Her decisive action prevented a major accident from happening. [decisive: adjective]
determining
Example
The determining factor in their decision was the cost of the project. [determining: adjective]
Example
We are still in the process of determining the best course of action. [determining: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Determining is less common than decisive in everyday language. Decisive is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while determining is more specific and often used in technical or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between decisive and determining?
Both decisive and determining can be used in formal and informal contexts, but determining may be more commonly used in technical or academic writing, where precision and accuracy are important.
