From Seinfeld

S&S · #1 (permalink) Wed Mar 09, 2011 4:07 am *From Seinfeld*

"So how are your levels coming along?"

"Well, I decided (or decide?) I'm not gonna do it. "

Decided and decide, which one works here? If both, what's the difference?

Thanks a lot.

Beeesneees · #2 (permalink) Wed Mar 09, 2011 8:08 am *From Seinfeld*

'Decided' is correct here because you have made the decision previously.

(I'll almost ignore 'gonna' - you know my feelings on it!)
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James · #3 (permalink) Wed Mar 09, 2011 8:13 am *From Seinfeld*

Conventionally, it's better to say: "Well, I decided I was not going to do it." However, "Well, I decided I'm not going to do it." is perfectly good to distinctly indicate that the event (= not do it) will be occurring in future, or the event (= do it) will not be occurring in future.

James · #4 (permalink) Wed Mar 09, 2011 8:15 am *From Seinfeld*

Seems the two posts were posted at the same time.

S&S · #5 (permalink) Wed Mar 09, 2011 9:00 am *From Seinfeld*

Sorry dear Beeesneees, I won't do it again. :P

Beeesneees · #6 (permalink) Wed Mar 09, 2011 14:03 pm *From Seinfeld*

... until next time... I know.
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S&S · #7 (permalink) Wed Mar 09, 2011 15:42 pm *From Seinfeld*

I mean it. Have some faith in me. :P

Beeesneees · #8 (permalink) Wed Mar 09, 2011 20:17 pm *From Seinfeld*

Time will tell. ;)
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E2e4 · #9 (permalink) Thu Mar 10, 2011 20:33 pm *From Seinfeld*

I'd say,'Well, I've decided that I'm not going to do it.'

Beeesneees · #10 (permalink) Thu Mar 10, 2011 21:10 pm *From Seinfeld*

Given the context, that wouldn't make as much sense as 'I won't do it again.'
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