a hasty decision

USAGE SUMMARY

'a hasty decision' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when someone has made a decision too quickly and without taking the time to consider all the possible options. For example, "John made a hasty decision and realized later he'd made the wrong choice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This isn't a hasty decision.

The New York Times - Sports

Garrido called using Jungmann in that spot a hasty decision.

The New York Times - Sports

Unfortunately, history has proved this a hasty decision". Ketubah : Edirne, Turkey, 1990, October 28.

Yale University

"Visit, do research and do not to make a hasty decision.

The Guardian

We make a hasty decision, and that decision establishes a new status quo.

Harvard Business Review

Mr. Paterson said he would not be rushed into a hasty decision.

The New York Times

"They had to make a hasty decision whether they wanted to become involved".

The New York Times

The administration is driving toward a hasty decision on a political timetable.

The New York Times

"It's a demonstration of what happens when you make a hasty decision without due diligence.

The Guardian

My husband had executed an advance medical directive several years earlier in which renal dialysis had been specifically excluded, so this was not a hasty decision.

The New York Times

Victor Chiu, a business development manager at Centaria Properties, in Vancouver, was concerned that his boss, Patrick, was making a hasty decision.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the potential negative consequences of making "a hasty decision", follow it up with advice on how to avoid such situations, such as 'think carefully' or 'consider all options'.

Common error

While "a hasty decision" often implies a negative outcome, sometimes quick decisions are necessary and correct. Don't automatically assume that speed equates to poor judgment; consider the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hasty decision" functions as a noun phrase, where "hasty" modifies the noun "decision". Ludwig's AI confirms that this is a grammatically sound construction, and the phrase commonly acts as the subject or object of a sentence. For instance, "Making a hasty decision can lead to regrets."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

14%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a hasty decision" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a choice made quickly and often without sufficient consideration. According to Ludwig, the phrase typically carries a negative connotation, implying that the decision might have been ill-advised. While found in various contexts, it is most prevalent in news and media. When using this phrase, it is crucial to consider the context and whether the speed of the decision was truly detrimental, as sometimes quick decisions are necessary. Remember that there are several alternatives that may more accurately convey the specific nuance you intend, such as "an ill-considered choice" or "a rushed judgment".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an ill-considered choice

Emphasizes the lack of careful thought behind the decision.

a rushed judgment

Focuses on the speed and lack of deliberation in forming the opinion.

a snap decision

Highlights the suddenness and impulsivity of the decision.

a quick determination

Underscores the speed with which a conclusion was reached.

a knee-jerk reaction

Suggests an almost automatic, unthinking response.

a poorly thought-out plan

Highlights the lack of planning and foresight in the decision.

an impulsive act

Focuses on the spur-of-the-moment nature of the decision.

a reckless move

Implies that the decision was risky and potentially damaging.

a spur-of-the-moment call

Emphasizes the suddenness and lack of premeditation in the decision.

a premature judgment

Focuses on the timing of the judgment as too early or without sufficient information.

FAQs

How can I use "a hasty decision" in a sentence?

You can use "a hasty decision" to describe a situation where someone made a choice too quickly, often leading to negative consequences. For example, "He regretted his "a hasty decision" to quit his job without another lined up".

What are some synonyms for "a hasty decision"?

Alternatives to "a hasty decision" include "an ill-considered choice", "a rushed judgment", or "a snap decision". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "a hasty decision" and "a premature decision"?

"A hasty decision" emphasizes the speed of the decision-making process, while "a premature decision" focuses on the timing being too early or before all the facts are known. Both can lead to negative outcomes, but the focus is different.

When is making a quick decision acceptable, even if it seems like "a hasty decision"?

In emergency situations or when time is of the essence, a quick decision might be necessary. However, even then, it's important to weigh the available information as carefully as possible under the circumstances.