What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
opted
Example
I opted for the vegetarian option at the restaurant. [opted: past tense]
Example
She opted to take a gap year before starting college. [opted: verb]
decide
Example
I decided to go to the beach instead of the park. [decided: past tense]
Example
He needs to decide which university to attend. [decide: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Decide is more commonly used than opted in everyday language. Decide is versatile and covers a wide range of decisions, while opted is less common and refers to a specific type of decision.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between opted and decide?
Decide is generally considered more formal than opted. However, both words can be used in formal and informal contexts depending on the situation.
