why do you decide to become a teacher? vs why have you decided to become a teacher?

Both phrases are correct, but they differ slightly in tense. "Why do you decide to become a teacher?" is in the present simple tense, while "Why have you decided to become a teacher?" is in the present perfect tense. The choice between them depends on the context and the emphasis you want to convey.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 1154 views

This phrase is correct in the present simple tense.

"why do you decide to become a teacher?"

This phrase is used in the present simple tense to ask about someone's current decision to become a teacher.

Show examples from the web [+]

And... you decide to become a wife.
And if you look at a guy called Dennis, when he decides what to become - is it a lawyer, or does he want to become a doctor or a teacher? - best chance is that he wants to become a dentist.
All right, what made you decide to be a teacher?
What made you decide to become a detective?
So why did you decide to become a nurse?
Why did you decide to become a surrogate?
When did you decide to become a thief?
How did you decide to become a scientist?
And before you decide to become a nun, consider this:
What made you decide to become a cop?
So... what made you want to become a teacher?
What made you decide to become a detective?
Good? - When did you decide to become a butcher?
Charlie's father advised him to become a teacher.
So... what made you want to become a teacher?
Perhaps it was reading the Friends that made you decide to become a magician?
I mean... all right, well, what made you decide to become a jockey?
Why did you become a teacher?
As an artist, when do you decide to get involved with causes like the Roma?
My dream is to become a teacher.

Alternatives:

Why are you deciding to become a teacher?
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
Why have you decided to become a teacher?
Why will you decide to become a teacher?
Why would you decide to become a teacher?

This phrase is correct in the present perfect tense.

"why have you decided to become a teacher?"

This phrase is used in the present perfect tense to ask about a decision that was made in the past but has relevance to the present.

Show examples from the web [+]

So, why have you decided to go on the pill?
But why have you decided to come here?
Why have you decided to tell the truth about Alison's alibi?
In hindsight, it did make me wonder why he suddenly decided to become a teacher.
And why have you decided to share this card with us now, Lesli?
Why have you decided to take up the invitation to come to the European Parliament?
Probably about the same time you decided to become a fugitive.
So you decided to become a drug dealer.
Everybody in town told you you were easy on the eyes, so you decided to become a supermodel.
No, things have been bad ever since you decided to become a cop.
I had those printed up six years ago before you decided to become a Deputy.
So you decided to become a man?
So... what made you want to become a teacher?
Why have you decided you don't want out at this point?
Anyway, I just decided to give up and become a teacher, because those that can't do, teach.
So then you decided to become a singer?
You decided to become a collector?
Charlie's father advised him to become a teacher.
I decided to become a teacher because I wanted to do something with my life besides what I was doing which was driving a truck, for a company and,
So... what made you want to become a teacher?

Alternatives:

Why did you decide to become a teacher?
Why do you decide to become a teacher?
Why are you deciding to become a teacher?
Why will you decide to become a teacher?
Why would you decide to become a teacher?

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why do you decide to become a teacher? vs why have you decided to become a teacher?