deciding not to go

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deciding not to go" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a choice or decision to refrain from attending an event or going to a place. Example: "After much consideration, I am deciding not to go to the party this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Smiley thought about it, or pretended to, before deciding not to go.

The New Yorker

Curnock Cook said a "very large number" – up to 60,000 – were deciding not to go to university this autumn and may re-apply next year.

The Guardian

"We're not sure how they will respond, but we're pretty sure they won't respond by deciding not to go," he added.

The New York Times

People who'd been addicted to games like FarmVille and CityVille were tiring of the format: seeing new Ville games and deciding not to go down that long, clicky road again.

The Guardian - Tech

As Mr. Barak waited and Mr. Arafat's leadership council struggled into the night over his speech -- finally deciding not to go on television -- Palestinians throughout the West Bank and Gaza bitterly denounced any idea of easing up their monthlong intifada.

The New York Times

Manchester City have left the way open for Manchester United to pursue Paul Pogba after deciding not to go after the France international as part of a summer of extensive transfer recruitment preparing for Pep Guardiola's first season in charge.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

He decides not to go with it.

The New York Times

Today, Ms. Caddo decided not to go.

The New York Times

He got into Internet college and decided not to go.

The New Yorker

She decided not to go, and contacted Bharti.

The Guardian

Fonzi decided not to go inside the apartment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "deciding not to go", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is choosing to avoid or refrain from. This improves clarity and prevents misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "deciding not to go" when a simple 'no' would suffice. The phrase is best suited for situations where a prior expectation or plan existed, making the decision to abstain more significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deciding not to go" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a conscious choice to abstain from a particular action or event. It emphasizes the decision-making process, as supported by Ludwig's examples, showing various contexts from news reports to personal reflections.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deciding not to go" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that conveys a conscious choice to abstain from an action or event. As confirmed by Ludwig, its versatility allows for usage in diverse contexts, ranging from news reports to personal anecdotes. While suitable alternatives exist, the phrase's emphasis on the decision-making process makes it a valuable tool for clear and informative communication. The phrase is most common in news and media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opting to abstain

Highlights the choice to hold back or refrain.

choosing to pass

Emphasizes a deliberate decision to skip or forego an opportunity.

electing to stay away

Focuses on the selection of remaining distant or uninvolved.

resolving to skip

Underscores a firm decision to omit or not participate.

determining to avoid

Highlights the decision to steer clear of something.

refraining from attending

Specifically relates to not being present at an event.

declining to participate

Focuses on the choice of non-involvement.

forgoing the opportunity

Highlights the act of willingly giving up a chance.

taking a pass

Suggests a casual decision to not take part.

opting for non-attendance

Emphasizes the choice of not being present.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "deciding not to go" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "refraining from attending", "declining to participate", or "opting for non-attendance".

What does "deciding not to go" imply about previous intentions?

It suggests that there was an initial consideration or expectation of attending or participating, but a subsequent decision was made to abstain. This implies a conscious choice against a previously considered action.

When is it appropriate to use "deciding not to go" instead of a simpler phrase like "not going"?

Use "deciding not to go" when you want to emphasize the decision-making process and the change of plans. It adds a layer of deliberation that "not going" lacks.

Are there contexts where "deciding not to go" might be considered too verbose?

Yes, in very informal settings or when brevity is crucial, a simpler phrase like "not going" or "staying away" might be more appropriate. The best choice depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis.