Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding the Phrasal Verb 'Decide On'

"When we decide on our true desires, the path forward becomes clearer, revealing the wisdom in our heart's whisper."

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'decide on' means to choose from a number of possible options after careful thought. It involves making a concrete decision regarding a specific course of action or outcome.

Examples in context

After weeks of indecision, they finally decided on a vacation destination.
Despite various choices, he decided on pursuing a career in medicine.
In the end, the committee decided on a compromise that satisfied all parties involved.

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'decide on' means to choose from a number of possible options after careful thought. It involves making a concrete decision regarding a specific course of action or outcome.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

The phrase cannot be split; the preposition must follow the verb.

Neutral

Usable in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

It requires a direct object.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	decide on	They decide on a new policy every year.
Past Simple	decided on	She decided on the blue dress for the event.
Present Continuous	deciding on	We are deciding on the best route to take.
Present Perfect	have decided on	They have decided on a new CEO this week.

💡 When to Use

Making a choice

Use when discussing the process of choosing from various options after thoughtful consideration.

Example: "He decided on the vegetarian dish after reviewing the menu."

Finalizing plans

Use when concluding a decision regarding plans or strategies after evaluating possibilities.

Example: "We decided on the meeting date after much discussion."

Selecting preferences

Use when expressing a personal preference or choice between options.

Example: "She decided on the blue curtains for her room."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect preposition

❌ Wrong: She decided at the blue car.

✅ Correct: She decided on the blue car.

💡 Tip: 'Decide on' uses 'on,' not 'at.'

Missing object

❌ Wrong: They decided on quickly.

✅ Correct: They decided on the best option quickly.

💡 Tip: Always include an object after 'decide on.'

Incorrect verb form

❌ Wrong: He decide on applying to two jobs.

✅ Correct: He decided on applying to two jobs.

💡 Tip: Use past tense 'decided on' for past actions.

Practice

DECIDE ON - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

After weeks of indecision, they finally decided on a vacation destination.
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2
Listen to example

Despite various choices, he decided on pursuing a career in medicine.
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3
Listen to example

In the end, the committee decided on a compromise that satisfied all parties involved.
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Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

choose select

Antonyms

abandon

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"We need to ___ on a location for the event."

decide at

decide on

decide of

decide in

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Decide On

What is the origin of 'decide on'?

The phrasal verb 'decide on' originates from Latin, with 'decidere' meaning 'to cut off.' It evolved in Middle English, incorporating the preposition 'on' to emphasize making a choice from options.

Can 'decide on' be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Decide on' is suitable for both formal and informal settings. In formal writing, it clarifies decision-making, while in conversational use, it efficiently conveys choices among options.

What is the difference between 'decide on' and 'choose'?

While both imply selecting from options, 'decide on' often conveys a more thoughtful, deliberate process. 'Choose' is broader, sometimes informal, and can imply a quicker selection process without detailed consideration.

Browse All TV The Magic Box Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

DECIDE ON - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Decide On

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega