I was undecided

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was undecided" is correct and usable in written English.
It is most often used when expressing uncertainty about a decision. For example: "I was undecided about whether I should attend the event or stay home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"I was undecided, but now I'm leaning toward Elaine Quijano".

The New Yorker

So when I made the dish at home, I was undecided.

The New York Times - Food

Although I was undecided on a major, there are certain subjects I am interested in.

The New York Times

Finishing my first year at college, I was undecided on what career path I wanted to pursue.

University of California, Berkeley

I had no idea until I got there that I was undecided over which party to vote for.

Independent

"I was undecided," Monica Cordes, 45, a substitute teacher, called out to him across a line of tables, which functioned as a rope line, while Mr. Santorum's new Secret Service detail carefully watched.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

I'm undecided.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I am undecided, but I would really like your opinion on the matter.

Cornell University

But rather than saying so, I tell them I'm undecided.

The New York Times

"I am undecided, but I am so angry that I think I'll vote for Grillo," he said.

The New York Times

"I am undecided who I will vote for – but it will not be Clinton".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was undecided" to clearly express a state of uncertainty before a decision was made. It's straightforward and easily understood in most contexts.

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses when describing your state of indecision. For example, don't mix "I was undecided" with "I am now sure". Maintain consistency for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was undecided" functions as a statement expressing a past state of uncertainty or lack of decision. It typically precedes the resolution or change of mind. This is consistent with Ludwig's examples, highlighting its use in conveying a previous state of indecision.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was undecided" effectively conveys a past state of uncertainty and indecision. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, notably in News & Media, Academia and Science. Related alternatives include "I hadn't decided" and "I was on the fence". When using this phrase, it's important to maintain consistent tense and ensure clarity in the overall message. The frequency is labeled as common. The phrase is found in reputable sources such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I hadn't made up my mind

Highlights the absence of a settled decision.

I hadn't decided

Focuses on the lack of a previous decision.

I was uncertain

A general term denoting a lack of sureness.

I was on the fence

An idiomatic expression indicating a neutral or wavering position.

I was in two minds

British English idiom expressing conflicting opinions.

I was wavering

Emphasizes the fluctuation between options.

I was uncommitted

Emphasizes the absence of a firm allegiance or pledge.

I was ambivalent

A more formal term suggesting mixed feelings or contradictory ideas.

I was hesitating

Indicates a pause or reluctance before making a decision.

I was irresolute

Highlights a lack of decisiveness or firmness of purpose.

FAQs

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

You can use "I was undecided" to express your uncertainty before making a choice. For example, "I was undecided, but now I've made up my mind."

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

A more formal alternative to "I was undecided" is "I was ambivalent", which suggests conflicting feelings or ideas about something.

Which is correct, "I was undecided" or "I am undecided"?

"I was undecided" indicates a past state of uncertainty, while "I am undecided" means you're currently uncertain. Use the appropriate tense based on the timing of your indecision.

What can I say instead of "I was undecided" if I want to emphasize my wavering position?

If you want to emphasize your wavering position, you can say "I was wavering" or "I was on the fence", which vividly depicts your indecisiveness.