deliberate about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deliberate about" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when discussing a situation in which several people are discussing a decision and trying to reach a conclusion by talking it through. For example, you might say, "We need to deliberate about the best course of action for the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Dave is most deliberate about his privacy," she added.

The New Yorker

There is something candid and almost deliberate about his more maladroit episodes.

The New York Times - Arts

But I wonder if I could be more deliberate about it?

The New Yorker

"I saw that Javy was deliberate about throwing to second," Rodriguez said.

The New York Times - Sports

"We've been very deliberate about what we have done," he says.

The New York Times

She is ten, but very deliberate about the choice of colors in wallpaper, etc.

The New Yorker

In his "Deutsches Requiem" Brahms was very deliberate about the particular kind of spirituality he was exploring.

The New York Times - Arts

But students tend to be more deliberate about their time at them and more demanding of one another.

The New York Times

I'm about to step across a line, and I simply want to be deliberate about the process, that's all.

The New York Times

"Mutton dressed as Pan," she jokes, but like many children's authors, McCaughrean is very deliberate about what she wears.

The Guardian - Books

And that means schools need to be deliberate about championing healthy living – to children, staff and the wider community.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "deliberate about", ensure that the subject is capable of rational thought or collective decision-making. For example, it's appropriate to say "The committee deliberated about the new policy", but not "The weather deliberated about raining."

Common error

Avoid using "deliberate about" when simply thinking or considering something individually. "Deliberate about" implies a group discussion and careful consideration of different viewpoints, not just an individual's thought process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deliberate about" functions as a verb phrase with a preposition, indicating the act of carefully considering and discussing something, typically before making a decision. As supported by Ludwig, it is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deliberate about" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to describe a thoughtful and thorough discussion process before making a decision. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, with a prevalence in News & Media and Science. It is more appropriate for describing group discussions rather than individual thought processes, and should not be used when one is simply considering something. Alternatives such as "think carefully about" or "discuss thoroughly" may be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The phrase is versatile and can be used in formal and professional settings, although it appears with less frequency in encyclopedias, wiki, and reference contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

carefully consider

Highlights the importance of due diligence but not necessarily the discussion aspect.

think carefully about

Focuses on the thoughtfulness of the consideration, rather than the act of discussing.

consider thoughtfully

Emphasizes careful consideration without necessarily involving a group discussion.

discuss thoroughly

Highlights the discussion aspect, putting less emphasis on the care and thought involved.

weigh the pros and cons of

Focuses on a structured evaluation of advantages and disadvantages.

reflect deeply on

Stresses a more personal and internal process of reflection.

ponder over

Implies a deep and thoughtful consideration, often in a state of uncertainty.

contemplate at length

Suggests a prolonged period of contemplation.

debate extensively

Emphasizes the argumentative nature of the discussion.

analyse meticulously

Focuses on a detailed and precise analysis.

FAQs

How can I use "deliberate about" in a sentence?

You can use "deliberate about" to describe a group thoughtfully discussing a decision, as in, "The board members will "deliberate about" the proposed merger before voting".

What's the difference between "deliberate about" and "consider"?

"Consider" implies a general act of thinking about something, while "deliberate about" suggests a more formal, group discussion aimed at reaching a decision. You "consider" options, but you "deliberate about" a course of action.

Which is correct, "deliberate about" or "deliberate on"?

Both "deliberate about" and "deliberate on" are grammatically correct, but "deliberate about" is more commonly used to refer to the subject of deliberation. However, the meaning remains largely the same.

What can I say instead of "deliberate about"?

You can use alternatives like "think carefully about", "discuss thoroughly", or "weigh the pros and cons of" depending on the specific context.