I cannot decide

USAGE SUMMARY

"I cannot decide" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are expressing indecision or uncertainty about making a choice. For example: "I can't decide whether I should go to the beach or the park this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Our winner is … I cannot decide on a winner.

The New York Times

I cannot decide between Spinal Tap and The Big Lebowski, but probably The Big Lebowski.

The Guardian

I cannot decide if this is mass brainwashing or if there is some clear evidence that has passed me by.

The Guardian

I'm a nurse, so legally I cannot decide to increase a patient's dose of pain medication, but I can call a physician and describe the patient's distress.

The New York Times

Which is the most pitiable, to be accused for friendship's sake or to have to accuse a friend, I cannot decide.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But to what extent that is punishable under law or ethics I cannot decide, and it was not my purpose to decide.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Science can inform, but it cannot arbitrate, it cannot decide.

The Guardian

South Korea says it cannot decide until the end of October.

The New York Times

"But it cannot decide between opposing scientific assessments".

The Guardian

Until this is sorted out, it cannot decide next year's budget.

The Economist

It can kick cans down the road all night, but it cannot decide.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I cannot decide" to clearly express indecision when faced with multiple options. It's a straightforward way to communicate your uncertainty.

Common error

While "I cannot decide" is perfectly acceptable, using it repeatedly in close proximity can make your writing sound monotonous. Vary your language by using synonyms like "I'm torn between" or "I'm undecided" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I cannot decide" functions as an expression of indecision or uncertainty. It indicates the speaker's inability to choose between multiple options. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I cannot decide" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express indecision. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates that it's frequently found in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts. While perfectly acceptable, consider using synonyms to avoid repetition. Remember, this phrase clearly communicates your uncertainty when faced with a choice. This is often used to express feelings and is safe to be used in any form of writing and speaking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm having trouble deciding

Focuses on the difficulty experienced during the decision-making process.

I'm on the fence

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate a neutral position in a decision.

I'm torn between

Highlights the conflicting options making the decision difficult.

I'm finding it hard to choose

Emphasizes the difficulty in making a selection.

I'm undecided

Directly states the lack of a decision.

I'm wavering

Suggests instability in one's decision.

I'm in a quandary

Uses a more formal term to express a state of perplexity or doubt.

I'm hesitating

Indicates a pause or delay in making a choice.

I remain uncertain

Formal way to express the lack of decision because of the uncertainty.

I'm ambivalent

Highlights the presence of mixed feelings preventing a clear decision.

FAQs

How can I use "I cannot decide" in a sentence?

"I cannot decide" is used to express your inability to make a choice between two or more options. For example, "I cannot decide whether to order pizza or pasta for dinner tonight."

What are some alternatives to "I cannot decide"?

Alternatives to "I cannot decide" include "I'm having trouble deciding", "I'm on the fence", or "I'm torn between", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "I cannot decide" or "I can't decide"?

Both "I cannot decide" and "I can't decide" are grammatically correct. "I can't decide" is a contraction and is more commonly used in informal settings, while "I cannot decide" is slightly more formal.

What does it mean to say "I cannot decide"?

Saying "I cannot decide" means you are unable to make a choice or come to a conclusion. You are weighing options but haven't settled on one.