"I decided" vs "I’ve decided"

Question

"I decided" vs "I’ve decided"

Both 'I've decided' and 'I decided' are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'I've decided' is the present perfect tense, indicating a decision made recently or that still has relevance to the present. 'I decided' is the simple past tense, indicating a decision made at a specific point in the past.

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

Use 'I decided' when you want to express a decision that was made at a specific point in the past. It is in the simple past tense.

Examples:

I decided to study abroad when I was in college.
He decided to quit his job and start his own business.
She decided to move to a different city last year.

Alternatives:

I made a decision
I chose
I settled on
I made up my mind
I opted for

Use 'I've decided' when you want to express a decision that has been made recently or that still has relevance to the present. It is in the present perfect tense.

Examples:

I've decided to go on a trip next month.
She's decided to change her career path.
We've decided to postpone the meeting until next week.

Alternatives:

I have decided
I've made up my mind
I've come to a decision
I've settled on
I've chosen

Answer 1

I decided

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially when referring to a decision made at a specific point in the past.

Answer 2

I’ve decided

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially when referring to a decision made recently or with relevance to the present.

"I decided" vs "I’ve decided"

I decided

I’ve decided

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