almost decided

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost decided" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is nearly or mostly decided, but not fully finalized. Example: "We have narrowed down our options and are almost decided on the new marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

She said she herself had almost decided not to come.

The New York Times - Magazine

He almost decided he would take a partnership with Dr. Walker & marry Linda.

The New Yorker

But she has measured like mad, and has almost decided to go ahead.

The New York Times

He almost decided to stay home in the Houston suburbs and begin his retirement.

The New York Times - Sports

They had almost decided against the trip, considering a vacation in Sydney, Australia.

The New York Times

"My future is almost decided," he said at a Brazil press conference.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Every time we almost decide what our market position ought to be under these unsettled conditions something happens to revive our doubts.

The New Yorker

By Romeyn Berry The New Yorker, October 2, 1937 P. 11 Every time we almost decide what our market position ought to be under these unsettled conditions something happens to revive our doubts.

The New Yorker

Caracciola withdrew almost entirely from public life while he mourned, almost deciding to retire completely from motor racing.

Wikipedia

The commitment of the government becomes the central and almost deciding factor in the success of efforts to strengthen research capacity.

Health Research Policy and Systems

Almost, I decided, would have to be enough.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "almost decided" to convey a sense of near-finality while acknowledging that the decision is not yet officially made. This is particularly useful when discussing ongoing negotiations or plans.

Common error

Avoid using "almost decided" when the decision has been definitively made. Using it in such contexts can create ambiguity and undermine the clarity of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost decided" functions as a qualifier or modifier, indicating a state of near-completion or near-certainty regarding a decision. As noted by Ludwig AI, it implies that a decision is very close to being made but not yet finalized. The examples show it's used to describe intentions and plans that are highly probable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

8%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "almost decided" is a versatile and commonly used expression that indicates a state of near-finality in decision-making. As Ludwig AI pointed out, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and used to describe something that is nearly or mostly decided, but not fully finalized. It is appropriate for a wide range of contexts, from news reporting to casual conversation, and can be useful for conveying a sense of anticipation and progress. While very similar alternatives exist, like "nearly decided" or "practically decided", users should be mindful of the specific nuance they wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly decided

Indicates a very close state to deciding, with a slight difference in emphasis.

practically decided

Highlights the practical considerations leading to the decision.

virtually decided

Emphasizes that the decision is so close it's as good as made.

all but decided

Similar to 'virtually decided' but with a more casual tone.

close to deciding

Focuses on the proximity to the point of decision.

on the verge of deciding

Suggests being at the very edge of making a decision.

leaning towards deciding

Implies a directional pull in the decision-making process.

seriously considered

Highlights the weight given to the decision but doesn't guarantee a decision.

had every intention of deciding

Focuses on the prior intention to make a decision, which might not have been fulfilled.

contemplated deciding

Indicates a thought process around the decision but not necessarily a near-final state.

FAQs

How can I use "almost decided" in a sentence?

You can use "almost decided" to indicate that a decision is very close to being finalized. For example: "We are "almost decided" on the location for the conference."

What can I say instead of "almost decided"?

You can use alternatives like "nearly decided", "practically decided", or "virtually decided" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "almost decided", or should I say "almost have decided"?

"Almost decided" is generally correct and more concise when the context is clear. "Almost have decided" can be used for emphasis but is often unnecessary.

What's the difference between "almost decided" and "considering"?

"Almost decided" implies a state closer to a final decision than "considering". "Considering" simply means you are thinking about something, while ""almost decided"" suggests a strong inclination.