a decision is imminent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decision is imminent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that a decision is about to be made very soon. Example: "After much deliberation, the committee announced that a decision is imminent regarding the new policy changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

A decision is imminent, she said.

The New York Times

Those closest to him in Florida say a decision is imminent.

The Guardian

The move comes as a decision is imminent over if and for how long Sir Bernard's contract as Metropolitan Police Commissioner will be renewed.

Independent

Although there was some uncertainty about what conditions would be attached, there has never been much doubt that the arguments for growth would eventually win over the interests of the local residents.Not that a decision is imminent.

The Economist

Now, at the same time that environmentalists are pressing to have the entire Meadowlands designated a federally protected preserve, a decision is imminent on a Virginia-based developer's proposal to build what would be the region's biggest shopping complex, a $1 billion collection of stores, movie theaters and a hotel surrounded by a savanna of paved parking lots.

The New York Times

Morgan, the limited overs captain who has previously admitted to the tour being "a big concern", has welcomed the news that a decision is imminent while stressing the need for the team's conversations that follow this security briefing to be open and honest.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Although Gordon Brown indicated today that a decision was imminent, speaking about a matter of days, there was surprise in Washington over his prediction.

The Guardian

A government decision is imminent on whether to order General Electric to pay for a wide-scale dredging of the river to clean up PCB's, which are linked to cancer, from the company's operations.

The New York Times

"A final decision is imminent, but it's looking extremely unlikely at best that Asafa will be in India," Doyle told the Mail on Sunday.

The Guardian - Sport

No decision is imminent, a league spokesman said yesterday, but Cornwell said he planned to submit a proposal soon seeking Williams's reinstatement.

The New York Times - Sports

Officials said President Bush, mindful of the turmoil at the commission and the accounting oversight board that it is supposed to supervise, is moving quickly to find a successor to Mr. Pitt, although no decision is imminent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a decision is imminent" to convey a sense of urgency or anticipation regarding an upcoming decision. This phrase is appropriate when the decision-making process is nearing its end.

Common error

Avoid using "a decision is imminent" in casual conversations. It's generally better suited for formal settings like news reports or official announcements. In informal settings use a simpler phrase like "We'll decide soon."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decision is imminent" functions as a statement indicating that a choice or resolution is expected to occur in the very near future. It is primarily used to convey the anticipation of an upcoming conclusion, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a decision is imminent" is a grammatically sound phrase used to signal that a resolution or choice is expected very soon. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts and serves to inform an audience of an upcoming announcement or conclusion. While its usage is generally neutral to formal, it is best suited for professional or news-related settings and should be used sparingly in casual conversation. Alternatives such as "a resolution is nearing" or "an outcome is expected shortly" can be employed for slight variations in tone. Therefore, while it's a correct and appropriate phrase, remember to consider your audience and the context in which you're using it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a resolution is nearing

Focuses on the resolution aspect, implying the end of a discussion or debate.

an outcome is expected shortly

Emphasizes the expectation of an outcome in the near future, adding a slightly more formal tone.

a determination is forthcoming

Uses "determination" to suggest a firm and official decision will be available soon.

the verdict is anticipated

Specifically refers to a "verdict", often in legal contexts, which is slightly more specific than a decision.

the announcement is pending

Highlights that an announcement regarding a decision is expected.

the matter is nearing conclusion

Shifts the focus to the matter at hand, suggesting it will soon be resolved.

the call is about to be made

More informal, implying the decision-making process is complete and the final call is ready.

the die is almost cast

Figurative expression suggesting the decision is practically irreversible.

the situation is coming to a head

Implies a crisis or critical point where a decision is necessary to resolve the situation.

the conclusion is on the horizon

Uses a more metaphorical expression, implying that the end is in sight.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a decision is imminent"?

You can use alternatives like "a resolution is nearing", "an outcome is expected shortly", or "a determination is forthcoming" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a decision is imminent" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "a decision is imminent" is better suited for formal contexts like news reports or official announcements. In casual conversation, simpler phrases are preferable.

What does "imminent" mean in the phrase "a decision is imminent"?

In this context, "imminent" means about to happen or occur very soon. The phrase suggests that a decision will be made in the near future.

What's the difference between "a decision is imminent" and "a decision is pending"?

"A decision is imminent" suggests that a decision is about to be made very soon, whereas "a decision is pending" implies that the decision is still waiting to be made but doesn't necessarily indicate how soon it will occur. Pending simply means awaiting a resolution.