Make a decision vs Take a decision

Which one is correct?

The answer is that both “make a decision” and “take a decision” are correct.

But they do not mean the same thing.

To learn more, read on.

 

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Before I dive into what the phrases mean, I need to point out that this article only applies to UK English.

“Make a decision” is used all over the English speaking world, but “take a decision” is not.

As far as I know, “take a decision” only exists in British English.

I may be wrong and it might be possible in other varieties of English, but whether or not that is true I cannot tell.

Only one thing is certain—if it is possible, it is incredibly rare and you are unlikely to ever encounter it.

 

Make a decision

The usual, more common phrase that you will encounter is “make a decision“.

The meaning is very simple: decide.

You make a decision when you have considered or thought about an issue before finally deciding to do something.

You’ve made the right decision. We all make daily decisions. I think you are making a bad decision. Speak to a representative to make an informed decision.

 

Take a decision

A lot of people (including dictionaries) will tell you that “take a decision” has the same meaning and can be used interchangeably with “make a decision”.

I disagree. That is not always the case.

The way we use take a decision is different.

First of all, we would only use it when talking about important or official decisions—think about presidents and politicians, for instance.

The idea is that the decision in question will have serious consequences and the person taking it will be responsible for it.

We would not use it when talking about casual, everyday decisions.

Secondly, taking a decision has an implication that the decision has been put in front of you and you are deciding in the moment.

Consider this: make a decision carries connotations of careful thought, planning, and deliberation.

Take a decision implies that the decision was reached. We are wanting to focus on the deciding moment, not the process that leads up to it.

Thirdly, taking a decision brings about a degree of formality.

Making a decision is neutral by comparison.

President took the decision to move the country’s capital. After some thought, I took the decision to resign. The government took the decision to scrap the plans for the new motorway.

 

Make a decision vs Take a decision

Admittedly, the differences between the two phrases are not huge.

The basic meaning will always stay the same, and the only real difference is tone.

Furthermore, it seems that the distinction only exists in UK English. Everyone else only ever uses make a decision.

To help you understand the differences better, I have come up with these examples:

You’ve made the right decision. You’ve taken the right decision.

President made the decision to move the country’s capital. President took the decision to move the country’s capital. (= important, official decision)

I always said she made the wrong decision marrying Dave. (= neutral tone) I always said she took the wrong decision marrying Dave.

After some thought, I made the decision to resign. After some thought, I took the decision to resign.

The government made the decision to scrap the plans for the new motorway. The government took the decision to scrap the plans for the new motorway. (= big, important decision)

Sometimes we can use them interchangeably. But the majority of the time, there is a little difference that should be reflected by the right verb.

 

Summary

• “Make a decision” is the usual, standard phrase we use for making choices,
• “Take a decision” has a similar meaning, but we only use it for very important decisions.