I was deciding

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "I was deciding" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an action that was taking place in the past, or to express confusion when making a decision. Example sentence: I was deciding between the two flavors of ice cream, but couldn't make up my mind.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

"So I was deciding which coast to move to".

The New York Times

I was deciding between that and physical therapy.

The New York Times

"I was deciding between money and men, between niggardliness and romance".

The New Yorker

Life, I was deciding, was a series of stumblings into the Kantian sublime.

The New Yorker

Steve joined me at my table on the veranda as I was deciding.

The New York Times - Travel

At that point I was deciding where to go for my year abroad.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

"I am deciding about everything".

The New York Times

Now it's unfair on some level because I'm deciding what I change".

The New York Times - Arts

I am looking at the frame, and I'm deciding where I'm going to make the picture.

The New Yorker

I'm deciding again what's already decided: shall we swim?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

College Plans: I am deciding between USC and UCLA.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "I was deciding" with specific details about the options or criteria being considered to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Instead of constructions like "A decision was being decided by me", prefer the active voice "I was deciding" for clarity and directness.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I was deciding" is to denote a past continuous action, indicating an ongoing process of making a decision at a specific point in the past. Ludwig examples confirm its use in describing scenarios where a choice was actively being considered.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was deciding" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe an ongoing decision-making process in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for describing a state of deliberation and is commonly found in news, academic writing, and various other contexts. While alternatives such as "I was considering" or "I was deliberating" might offer subtle nuances, "I was deciding" remains a versatile and widely accepted choice. When using this phrase, ensure the surrounding context clarifies the options and criteria involved for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was considering

Very similar in meaning but uses a slightly different phrasing of the continuous aspect.

I considered

Highlights the act of thinking about something carefully before making a decision.

I was in the process of choosing

Highlights the active stage of selecting from available alternatives.

I weighed my options

Emphasizes a more structured approach to decision-making, involving evaluation of different choices.

I was weighing up

More colloquial, particularly in British English, meaning to assess options.

I was figuring out

Focuses on the process of finding a solution or making a decision after some thought.

I pondered

Focuses on deep thought and consideration, implying a more reflective decision-making process.

I deliberated

Implies a formal and careful discussion or consideration.

I contemplated

Suggests a thoughtful and prolonged consideration of different aspects.

I entertained the idea of

Suggests thinking about a particular option without necessarily making a firm decision.

FAQs

How can I use "I was deciding" in a sentence?

Use "I was deciding" to describe a situation in the past where you were in the process of making a choice. For example, "I was deciding whether to go to the beach or stay home and read".

What's a more formal way to say "I was deciding"?

While "I was deciding" is suitable for most contexts, you might use "I was deliberating" in more formal situations to emphasize careful consideration.

Is it correct to say "I am deciding" instead of "I was deciding"?

"I am deciding" indicates you are currently in the process of making a decision, while "I was deciding" refers to a decision-making process in the past. The choice depends on the timing of the action.

What are some alternatives to "I was deciding" that emphasize careful thought?

Alternatives that emphasize careful thought include "I was contemplating", "I was weighing up", or "I pondered" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.