cannot make a unanimous decision vs cannot make an unanimous decision

Both phrases are similar, but the correct one is 'cannot make a unanimous decision'. The article 'a' is not needed before 'unanimous' because 'unanimous' is an adjective that does not require an article. It directly modifies the noun 'decision'.

Last updated: March 29, 2024 • 1059 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"cannot make a unanimous decision"

Use 'cannot make a unanimous decision' when referring to the inability to reach a decision that everyone agrees on.

Show examples from the web [+]

Today we are taking the first step and until the Council makes a unanimous decision we can unfortunately only deliver an opinion.
If the Council is not ready to make a unanimous decision on taxation, what conclusions can the Commission draw?
Notes:Of the total contributions it is proposed to make the call up of EUR 4,552 million subject to a unanimous decision by the Management Board.
I shall report in my diary that the first vote was 9 to 1 and that in a friendly spirit it was then decided to make the decision unanimous.
Lastly, I would like to make it clear that I do support the European arrest warrant and that, as an Italian, I condemn the fact that my country's government should be the one to oppose a unanimous decision.
La Motta has won, a unanimous decision.
This breakdown could be modified only by a unanimous decision by the Council.
It was a unanimous decision which transposed the directive in 1991 and you approved it.
This was a unanimous decision by the Member States.
Ladies and gentlemen and smizmars, we have a unanimous decision.
The Council shall take a unanimous decision on these proposals.
It is up to the Council to reach a unanimous decision.
That runs contrary to a unanimous decision adopted in the Committee on Constitutional Affairs.
We have a unanimous decision as well.
Any modification to this arrangement would require a unanimous decision by the BoG.
The wish to reach a unanimous decision can lead to compromises which do not stand this test.
I would remind you that such a measure depends on a unanimous decision by the Council.
The Conference of Presidents has taken a unanimous decision, which I am relaying to you, addressing myself in particular to the Council.
Accordingly, my group, in a unanimous decision on the part of its 17 members, will tomorrow vote against the appointment of the Barroso Commission.
No, it was not a unanimous decision, but I hope the person among us...

This phrase is incorrect in English.

"cannot make an unanimous decision"

Show examples from the web [+]

Today we are taking the first step and until the Council makes a unanimous decision we can unfortunately only deliver an opinion.
If the Council is not ready to make a unanimous decision on taxation, what conclusions can the Commission draw?
I shall report in my diary that the first vote was 9 to 1 and that in a friendly spirit it was then decided to make the decision unanimous.
Notes:Of the total contributions it is proposed to make the call up of EUR 4,552 million subject to a unanimous decision by the Management Board.
3. The Council may, by unanimous decision, make all such amendments to the designations or definitions in this article as it deems necessary or appropriate.
Amendment 28 Article 8(1) states that the EGTC shall be the subject of a convention concluded unanimously by its members, adding the need for an unanimous decision and referring to the ex-ante control procedure laid out in Article 4(3).
That does not mean that we cannot make an important contribution.
Lastly, I would like to make it clear that I do support the European arrest warrant and that, as an Italian, I condemn the fact that my country's government should be the one to oppose a unanimous decision.
I should like to make a final remark on the additional budget that has been granted to the 'People' programme at the request of Mr Prodi and by the unanimous decision of the shadow rapporteurs, to whom I am grateful.
Another problem with elephants is that you cannot make an apparatus that is too heavy for a single elephant.
Let me remind you of the popular proverb, 'you cannot make an omelette without breaking eggs'.
And since one cannot make an omelette without breaking eggs, these measures will inevitably be painful to those concerned, both professional transport operators and the individual citizen.
In response to your question, I am afraid I cannot make an educated guess.
It is obviously an oversight but, as I am sure you will understand, I cannot make an exception, otherwise we shall get embroiled in Rules of Procedure.
And the winner by unanimous decision...
The Commission cannot make an assessment about the forest definition in the Forest Focus and the definitions of forest under the proposed Greek Forestry Law.
Forgive me, little princess, but I cannot make an investment based on wishes and dreams.
And the winner by unanimous decision, in ten rounds...
La Motta has won, a unanimous decision.
The Board of Governors shall establish the Statute of the European Investment Fund by unanimous decision.

Alternatives:

cannot make a unanimous decision

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cannot make a unanimous decision vs cannot make an unanimous decision