Why “decide” weakens your writing (and how to fix it)

Small words can have a big effect on your story. “Decide” is one such word. Travel and adventure writers no doubt have to make many, many decisions while on the road, but how you write up those decisions can affect the pacing, emotion, and depth of your story.

Like all writing advice, context is everything. I’m not suggesting you delete every use of “decide” in your manuscript. But if you find it popping up again and again, see if it’s actually serving the scene. Tightening up your use of “decide” is a small change that can make a big impact on your story. Let’s run through why it can cause problems.

“Decide” slows the pace

Stating that you decided to do something or go somewhere can slow the scene’s pace and distances the reader from the moment. You’re adding an extra step between your thought and your action. So, rather than telling the reader what you decided to do, just do it.

Original: I decided to put the map away and rely on my instincts.

Recast: I put the map away; I would rely on my instincts. They hadn’t let me down so far.

This recast sends us straight into the action and gives us a glimpse of your emotional reasoning. The three short sentences build on the moment’s immediacy, too.

“Decide” lacks emotion

By telling the reader what you decided to do, you miss out on showing the reader your emotional journey. We don’t get to see what you went through to reach that decision.

Original: I decided to quit my job and travel the world.

Recast: A sense of adventure took hold, the idea that I could be doing more, seeing more. So I quit my job. Simple as that. Or actually, not quite…

This recast gives us much more emotional depth and complexity. We see the writer’s motivation, introspection, and their decision-making.

“Decide” tells rather than shows

When you tell us what you decided, we miss out on seeing your thought process. Showing your thought process gives us an insight into how you were feeling in that moment, and you can show what’s going on around you.

Original: We decided to venture into the cemetery at night. Foolhardy? Yes. Exciting? Definitely.

Recast: Under the low glow of a full moon, we ventured into the cemetery. Foolhardy? Yes. Exciting? Definitely.

The original has good emotional depth, and we get some environmental context, but it falls flat. The recast retains the mood and builds on the environmental context by describing what the night is like.

“Decide” can lead to incomplete actions

Sometimes you’ll write that you decided to do something, but then it’s not clear that you actually did it. In these cases, “decide” becomes a substitute for action. Getting straight to the point keeps your prose clear. 

Original: I decided to head north.

Recast: I headed north.

Did you actually head north? The next sentence or scene may have you further north, so the narrative implies that you followed through on your decision. But the original sentence is not precise, and “decide” becomes a substitute for you actually making that move north. Precise word choice makes your scenes clearer and more immersive, which keeps readers turning the page. This recast is direct and it’s concise.

Summing up

Don’t think you have to delete every “decide” from your manuscript. The key is to use it with purpose. Keep it for when you want to show readers your thought process. As these examples show, small recasts and can tighten up your writing and create more immersive scenes. 

So, will you decide to search your manuscript for errant “decide”s, or will you just do it?

This is the first article in a series about words that weaken your writing. Subscribe to my newsletter to get updates on every new article.