I decided to linger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I decided to linger" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a choice to stay in a place or situation longer than initially intended. Example: "After the meeting, I decided to linger in the café to enjoy my coffee and reflect on the discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I decided to linger.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In any case, Watson, excited about the agreement he had signed in Quito, decided to linger in Ecuador.

The New Yorker

But the risks have risen, and Kleintop notes that many investors already have decided to linger on the sidelines, reluctant to venture into the market.

The Guardian

Let me call". A minute later we had a room reserved in Amer, just down the road, but we decided to linger and have a cold bottle of Estrella Damm, the local beer.

The New York Times - Travel

If, however, you are one of those people who like to fly in the face of convention then maybe you decided to linger on a bit.

Forbes

In film, a master gives a general idea of the scene, but whom does the camera then decide to linger on after that?

The New York Times

PARTING IS SUCH SWEET SORROW Lastly, backyard weddings do not have the time constraints that most venues impose and, as a result, some of your guests may decide to linger.

Huffington Post

With the subject showing no signs of going away — one more documentary melodrama of our WikiLeaks adventure will be featured at next month's South by Southwest festival — I decided to check up on the lingering fallout from what may be the nation's all-time greatest cascade of blown secrets.

The New York Times

What he hadn't mentioned, and what I was to learn suddenly when I decided to let some fresh air into the room to disperse the lingering odor, was that the A.C. was not bolted to anything.

The New York Times

I decided to investigate.

The New York Times

I decided to pass.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I decided to linger" when you want to convey a sense of intentionality in choosing to remain in a place or situation, often implying a desire to savor the moment or observe further.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "I decided to linger" can sound slightly informal in very formal writing. Opt for alternatives like "I chose to remain" or "I elected to stay" in professional or academic settings to maintain a more serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I decided to linger" functions as an independent clause expressing a past decision. It indicates a conscious choice made by the speaker. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and used to convey a deliberate action.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I decided to linger" is a grammatically correct and usable expression indicating a deliberate choice to remain in a particular place or situation. According to Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, but especially prevalent in news and media. While the frequency of the phrase is rare, it provides a clear way to convey intentionality. If a more formal tone is desired, alternatives such as "I elected to remain" or "I opted to stay" can be considered. Remember to consider the context and audience when choosing the best way to express your decision to stay.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I chose to stay longer

Emphasizes a deliberate selection to remain, adding a nuance of intention.

I opted to remain

Presents a formal alternative, suggesting a considered decision to stay.

I resolved to stay

Indicates a firm decision to remain, highlighting the resoluteness of the choice.

I thought I'd stick around

Offers a more casual and conversational way to express the decision to linger.

I determined to remain

Implies a strong and purposeful decision to stay, highlighting the determination involved.

I elected to stay

Suggests a choice from several options, highlighting the selection of staying.

I made up my mind to stay

Highlights the process of reaching a decision to remain.

I concluded to stay

Indicates that the decision to stay was the result of reasoning or consideration.

I felt like hanging back

Conveys a feeling or inclination to remain, rather than a firm decision.

I thought I'd stay a while

Suggests a less definite period of staying, implying a temporary extension.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "I decided to linger" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "I elected to remain", "I chose to stay longer", or "I opted to remain". These options convey a more deliberate and considered decision to stay.

What does "I decided to linger" imply about the reason for staying?

The phrase "I decided to linger" suggests a conscious choice to remain in a place or situation, often implying a desire to enjoy the moment, observe further, or simply delay departure. It conveys intentionality in staying longer.

Is it correct to use "I decided to linger" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "I decided to linger" might sound somewhat informal for academic writing. Depending on the context, consider more formal alternatives like "I chose to remain" or "I determined to investigate further" to maintain a professional tone.

What are some alternatives to "I decided to linger" that emphasize a feeling or inclination?

If you want to emphasize a feeling, you could use alternatives like "I felt like hanging back" or "I felt inclined to stay". These phrases convey a sense of wanting to remain, rather than a firm decision.