The English Oracle

Difference between 'decided on' and 'decided to'?

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Chapters
00:00 Difference Between 'Decided On' And 'Decided To'?
00:26 Accepted Answer Score 17
01:26 Thank you

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ACCEPTED ANSWER

Score 17


I have decided on + object

I have decided to + verb

The usage is based on the construction of the sentence. You could say:

I have decided to buy a blue carpet for the bedroom.
I have decided on emigrating [or emigration] to Australia.

EDIT

As mentioned in John Lawler's comment, there is a subtle difference between the two. Decide to suggests that you have chosen a plan of action.

I have decided to emigrate to Australia.

I might have been considering staying at home, or I might have been considering other countries, but at any rate, this is what I am going to do.

Decide on suggests that you have chosen one from two or more options that you were weighing.

I have decided on emigration. I am going to Australia. (OR – I have decided to emigrate to Australia.)

I was considering England, Canada and Australia, but I have finally chosen Australia.