Using Collocation to Ace The IELTS – Key Word: Decision

Making decisions is a daily part of life, and in English, there are many collocations associated with the word decision. Using these collocations correctly in IELTS Speaking and Writing demonstrates natural language use, precision, and fluency. This lesson covers verb collocations, adjective collocations, useful expressions, and exercises to help you master the keyword decision.

Why Focus on Collocations with decision?

In IELTS, collocations with decision are useful for:

• IELTS Speaking: When discussing personal experiences, life choices, or opinions.
• IELTS Writing: Especially in Task 2, when evaluating societal issues or arguing for/against choices.
• IELTS Reading & Listening: Understanding formal or academic texts where decisions are made or described.

Mastering these collocations helps you:

• Improve lexical resource, boosting your band score.
• Speak or write more naturally.
• Express opinions clearly and precisely.

1. Verb + Decision

Certain verbs naturally collocate with decision. Using them correctly will make your English sound more formal or polished.

Practice Exercise

Use the correct form of these verbs: influence, justify, abide by, reverse, face, regret, question, put off

1. Nobody knows how the headmaster can ___________ his decision to spend £3,000 on computers when there is an acute shortage of books.
2. Our boss is very honest and fair. No matter what you say, you will not ___________ his decision in any way.
3. All competitors must ___________ the judges’ decision. No appeals will be allowed.
4. I’m sorry, but we can’t ___________ our decision without another board meeting.
5. I don’t ___________ my decision to leave school at 16.
6. They’ve decided to wait a few years before having children. They can’t ___________ the decision indefinitely!
7. Newchester United have lost their last four games, and some are beginning to ___________ the manager’s decision to leave the star player out.
8. Now that you’ve been promoted, you’ll ___________ difficult decisions on a daily basis.

IELTS Tip: Use these verbs in Speaking Part 3 to explain reasoning: “I justified my decision because…” or “I have to face tough decisions at work every day.”

2. Useful Expressions with Decision

Some expressions make your language sound more idiomatic and natural.

Match the halves

1. Don’t try to force me to choose. I refuse to be hurried ______
2. Mike always leaves important decisions to ______
3. I hope I’ve made ______
4. There may come a time when you’ll regret ______
5. I’m not altogether happy about the decision, but ______

Options:
a. I think I can live with it.
b. into a decision.
c. the last possible moment.
d. that decision.
e. the right decision.

IELTS Tip: Using such phrases in Speaking or Writing shows flexibility with vocabulary and natural phrasing.

3. Common Adjective Collocations

Adjectives modify decision to convey seriousness, quality, or importance.

Practice Exercise

Complete the sentences with these adjectives: informed, joint, tough, wise, final, courageous, rash, controversial

1. In order to make an ___________ decision about which course to take, read the college prospectus.
2. Both candidates are ideal for the job. It’s going to be a ___________ decision to reach.
3. Just look at that rain! Our decision not to go to the beach was a ___________ one.
4. It was a ___________ decision to move house.
5. My father warned me against making ___________ decisions.
6. After many hours of discussion, the government arrived at the ___________ decision to bring back the death penalty.
7. Beatrice Wzylo took the ___________ decision to tell the world about her addiction.
8. No ___________ decision has been taken yet about the company’s future.

IELTS Tip: Replace make a decision with take / reach / arrive at a decision in Writing Task 2 for variety and accuracy.

4. Notes on Using Decision

• Abide by a decision is formal; in speech, you can say stick to a decision. Example: “So, are you sticking to your decision not to come?”
• Snap decision can describe a quick, sometimes risky choice.
• Use adjectives like crucial, irreversible, momentous to emphasize the importance of a decision in formal writing.

Answer Key

The word decision is versatile and widely used in formal and informal contexts. Mastering its collocations helps you speak confidently, write precisely, and score higher in IELTS. Remember, using verbs, adjectives, and idiomatic expressions naturally will make your responses more fluent and advanced. 

For those aiming for top scores, following the IELTS Exam Preparation Tips for Band Score of 8+ can further enhance your vocabulary and overall test performance.

Also Check: 

• Improve Your Vocabulary for IELTS – Key Word: Space
• Improve Your Vocabulary for IELTS – Key Word: Size
• Grammar For IELTS: Expressions Of Quantity
• Grammar For IELTS : The Common Grammars And Sentence Structures In English (Part 1
• Grammar For IELTS : The Common Grammars And Sentence Structures In English (Part 2)
• Using Contrast in IELTS Speaking & Writing: Advanced Grammar in IELTS
• 100+ Advanced Vocabulary Word List for IELTS (PDF Available)
• Especially vs Specially for IELTS Grammar: Lessons, Examples, Usage & Exercise