competing considerations

USAGE SUMMARY

"competing considerations" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to two or more factors that must be taken into account when making a decision or taking action. For example, "When choosing a college major, there were many competing considerations, including cost of tuition, job prospects, and the particular areas of study offered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

When deciding on the timing, competing considerations come into play.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Warren replied that he was not suggesting "econometrics" but rather "a common sense way" of evaluating "competing considerations in a systematic way".

The New York Times

While there are many good reasons to keep grand jury materials secret at the time, Mr. Holder wrote: "They do not forever trump all competing considerations.

The New York Times

"Whether or not Whitman's resolution of such competing considerations was wise," the court said, "she has not engaged in conduct that 'shocks the conscience' in the sense necessary to create constitutional liability for damages to thousands of people".

The New York Times

He said that among the "competing considerations" for any country was its stability and noted that Pakistan's slow progress toward opening itself up to democracy had to be weighed against the danger of plunging the country into chaos.

The New York Times

The agency "did not have sufficient data and analyses" to be so reassuring, the report said, noting that "competing considerations" such as national security and Wall Street concerns may have played a role.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

"In the end, I was able to resolve every competing consideration but one," Mr. Daniels wrote in an overnight message to supporters.

The New York Times

Given that individual self-mastery trumps any competing consideration, Stirner concludes that the demands of the state are not binding on the individual.

SEP

Perhaps competing moral considerations interact in contextually specific and complex ways much as competing chess considerations do.

SEP

At a time when unity among European governments has been of critical importance as the Continent grapples with its debt crisis, the failure of the deal exposed how competing national considerations can get in the way of cross-border cooperation.

The New York Times

As my colleagues Mark Scott and Nicola Clark wrote in the DealBook blog: "At a time when unity among European governments has been of critical importance as the Continent grapples with its debt crisis, the failure of the deal exposed how competing national considerations can get in the way of cross-border cooperation".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "competing considerations", ensure you clearly articulate each consideration and explain how they influence the decision-making process. This provides transparency and demonstrates a well-reasoned approach.

Common error

Avoid focusing solely on the most obvious "competing considerations". Take time to uncover underlying factors that might not be immediately apparent but still significantly impact the outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "competing considerations" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies multiple factors that must be weighed against each other when making a decision, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "competing considerations" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe multiple, often conflicting, factors influencing a decision, as supported by Ludwig. Its usage spans across diverse fields, including science, news, and formal business settings. While commonly used, effective communication requires clear articulation of each consideration to ensure transparent and well-reasoned decision-making. As highlighted by Ludwig's analysis, neglecting implicit or underlying factors can lead to incomplete evaluations. Alternative phrases like "conflicting factors" and "rival priorities" can provide nuanced options. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and applicability of the phrase in various contexts, solidifying its role as a valuable tool in analytical discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conflicting factors

Focuses on the conflicting nature of the elements being considered.

opposing viewpoints

Highlights the differing perspectives that need to be weighed.

rival priorities

Emphasizes the prioritization challenges arising from conflicting demands.

contending interests

Stresses the interests that are in opposition or competition.

divergent opinions

Highlights disagreements and variations in beliefs influencing decisions.

clashing needs

Underscores the incompatible demands that must be addressed.

trade-offs

Highlights the need to accept less of one thing to gain more of another.

conflicting demands

Focuses on the opposing requirements and needs that must be managed.

balancing act

Emphasizes the need for equilibrium when handling opposing forces.

difficult choices

Highlights the complexity and challenge of making decisions involving conflict.

FAQs

How do you use "competing considerations" in a sentence?

You can use "competing considerations" to describe factors that need to be balanced. For example, "When deciding on a job offer, salary and location were "competing considerations"".

What are some synonyms for "competing considerations"?

Alternatives include "conflicting factors", "opposing viewpoints", or "rival priorities", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to balance "competing considerations"?

Balancing "competing considerations" means weighing the importance of different factors to arrive at a decision that appropriately addresses each one, even if it requires trade-offs.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "competing considerations"?

Use "competing considerations" when you want to acknowledge multiple, often opposing, factors that influence a decision or situation. It's suitable in both formal and informal contexts.