could not be decided

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could not be decided" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that a decision or conclusion has not been reached regarding a particular matter. Example: "The outcome of the meeting was inconclusive, and the issue could not be decided at that time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Under another UK proposal, there could be a "sunset clause" under which cases would be thrown out if they could not be decided within a time limit of one or two years.

The Guardian

Ironically, Brcko has avoided that general fate precisely because it was so disputed between Muslims, Serbs and Croats that its fate could not be decided at peace talks in 1995.

The New York Times

Justice Gische denied Ms. Hanover's request for $30,277 a month in spousal maintenance, which would include salaries for five staff members, writing that it was part of an issue that could not be decided before the trial.

The New York Times

The committee also took a properly sceptical approach to late evidence from David Anderson QC, the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, on cases that could not be decided without the use of CMPs.

The Guardian

Whether the clayey fillings in open cracks and voids were products of in situ weathering or of subsequent sedimentation could not be decided.

Applied Water Science

If the case could not be decided by normal means, then a judicial duel would be held to adjudicate the dispute, God choosing the victor.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

But there is also the moral aspect of the argument, and that couldn't be decided scientifically, by reproducible experiment.

The Guardian - Opinion

The TMO checked to see if he was offside, and when it couldn't be decided if he was in front or behind Du Preez, the advantage went with the attacking team and the score stood.

Independent

Mr. MacGregor, an impish figure with a razor-sharp eye and an all-consuming passion for the institution he has run since 2002, explained that he and the curators felt that the ultimate object couldn't be decided until the last minute.

The New York Times

Finally, it is difficult to determine the cut-off point of CCNA1 hypermethylation for predicting cancer risk, and thereby the sensitivity and specificity of genes methylation respecting cancer risks could not be easily decided.

BioMed Research International

In the hospital, according to family history, surgeons decided that the injured leg could not be saved and decided to amputate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could not be decided", ensure the context clearly indicates what or who was unable to reach a decision. For example, specify if it was a committee, an individual, or a set of circumstances that prevented a resolution.

Common error

Avoid using "could not be decided" without specifying the subject or issue. Ensure the sentence clarifies what decision was impossible to reach to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could not be decided" functions as a passive construction, indicating the inability to reach a decision or resolution. Ludwig shows examples in legal contexts, scientific analyses, and general discussions where a determination was not possible.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could not be decided" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to express the inability to reach a conclusion or resolution. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage. It is most commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what decision remained unresolved. Alternatives like ""could not be determined"" or ""remained unresolved"" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. Pay attention to the subject involved in the impossibility of decision to prevent ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could not be determined

Focuses on the inability to find a definitive answer or conclusion.

could not be resolved

Emphasizes the failure to find a solution or agreement to a problem.

remained unresolved

Highlights the continuing state of being unsettled or undecided.

was left open

Indicates that the matter was not closed or concluded.

was not possible to decide

Directly states the impossibility of reaching a decision.

could not be ascertained

Focuses on the inability to establish something with certainty.

could not be concluded

Emphasizes the lack of a final judgment or inference.

defied resolution

Implies the issue was resistant to being solved.

stayed pending

Highlights that the matter is waiting for a future decision.

was left in abeyance

Suggests the matter was temporarily suspended or postponed.

FAQs

What does "could not be decided" mean?

The phrase "could not be decided" means that a conclusion, resolution, or judgment could not be reached. It indicates an inability to make a determination on a particular matter.

What are some alternatives to "could not be decided"?

Alternatives include "could not be determined", "remained unresolved", or "was left open", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "decide"?

While both active and passive voice are grammatically correct, active voice often provides clearer and more direct communication. For example, instead of "the matter could not be decided", you could say "the committee could not decide the matter".

How can I use "could not be decided" in a sentence?

You can use it like this: "Due to conflicting evidence, the case "could not be decided" at the initial hearing."