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was decided vs had been decided

Both 'was decided' and 'had been decided' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Was decided' is used to talk about a decision made in the past without specifying a time frame, while 'had been decided' is used to refer to a decision that was made before another point in the past.

Last updated: March 25, 2024

was decided

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to talk about a decision that was made in the past without specifying a specific time frame.

Examples:

  • The date for the meeting was decided last week.
  • It was decided that we would go on a trip together.
  • The winner of the competition was decided by the judges.
  • The fate of the company was decided in the board meeting.
  • The outcome of the game was decided in the final minutes.

Alternatives:

  • the decision was made
  • it was settled
  • the conclusion was reached
  • the choice was finalized
  • the determination was made

had been decided

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to refer to a decision that was made before another point in the past, often in the context of past perfect tense.

Examples:

  • By the time I arrived, the matter had already been decided.
  • The team had been decided upon before the coach joined.
  • The location for the event had been decided months in advance.
  • The issue had been decided long before it became public.
  • The rules had been decided upon by the committee.

Alternatives:

  • the decision had been made
  • it had been settled
  • the conclusion had been reached
  • the choice had been finalized
  • the determination had been made

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