deliberating

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "deliberating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is taking a long time to decide something, usually due to considering all available options. For example, "The jury is still deliberating on the verdict."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Consider, for example, an Aristotelian, Kantian, and Millian individually deliberating over whether a particular action or object is good, their respective deliberation and use of 'This is good' guided, as they would be, by their beliefs about whether the action or object under discussion exemplifies the promotion of a teleological end, a Good Will, or pleasure respectively.

SEP

The panel is still deliberating on multiple charges against the controversial bio-chemist Dank, who stands accused of being the architect of the club's supplements program and faces a life ban from the sport if found guilty.

The Guardian - Sport

They argued the whole process of deliberating on parades would be compromised by party politics at Stormont; that there would no longer be any independent adjudication.

The Guardian

By restoring the purpose of government as one that serves its people through preserving freedom as the supreme good, one restores citizens to their role in deliberating these decisions and cedes the public space back to its owners.

The Guardian - Opinion

At the time it was due to take place, the Communist Party was preparing for the annual National People's Congress, and its various organs were deliberating on the future of promising individuals such as Mr Li.

The Economist

Meanwhile, the court is already deliberating an even more sensitive issue: whether to permit the deportation from the West Bank to Gaza of the families of suicide-bombers.

The Economist

Yet this weapon has not been used in 50 years, and may backfire, particularly if the public deems its use unwarranted.This week the upper house began deliberating a bill passed last month that would send the Japanese navy back to the Indian Ocean to provide fuel to American-led operations in Afghanistan.

The Economist

He at once distanced himself from Mr Antasari, saying the law must take its course.Parliament, which is deliberating legislation that would weaken the KPK, has also acted typically, if less commendably.

The Economist

It's not easy to say how to balance cost/benefit considerations against considerations of liberty and equality when deliberating about fiscal policy.

The Economist

The jury began deliberating a week before the primary, and was still pondering the former governor's fate as The Economist went to press (the jurors no doubt trying to work out how Mr Ryan could have enjoyed such a splendid lifestyle while spending as little as $77 a year of his own cash).

The Economist

America's Congress is currently deliberating a law to impose sanctions on countries that mistreat their religious minorities, with the Middle East as one of the intended targets.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "deliberating", ensure the context clearly indicates a careful and thoughtful consideration of different options or viewpoints, as opposed to a quick or impulsive decision.

Common error

Avoid using "deliberating" when the situation involves a simple thought or decision. "Deliberating" implies a formal or serious process of weighing different perspectives, so use it only when appropriate to the context.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "deliberating" is as a present participle or gerund of the verb "deliberate". It often functions as part of a continuous verb tense (e.g., "is deliberating") or as a verbal noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deliberating" functions as a present participle or gerund, describing a process of careful consideration before making a decision. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It's frequently found in science and news contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When writing, remember that "deliberating" implies a deliberate weighing of options, making it distinct from simple thinking. Related phrases include "considering" and "weighing options", offering nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considering

Focuses on the act of thinking about something carefully, but might not imply a formal discussion.

weighing options

Emphasizes the process of assessing different choices and their potential outcomes.

mulling over

Suggests a more informal and contemplative process of thinking something through.

reflecting on

Implies a deeper, more thoughtful consideration of a topic or issue.

pondering

Similar to mulling over, but can also suggest a state of uncertainty or confusion.

assessing

Focuses on evaluating the merits and drawbacks of a particular situation or proposal.

evaluating

A more formal and systematic approach to judging the value or worth of something.

thinking over

A general term for carefully considering something before making a decision.

giving thought to

Emphasizes the act of dedicating time and attention to a particular issue.

chewing over

An informal phrase suggesting prolonged and thorough consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "deliberating" in a sentence?

You can use "deliberating" to describe a group or individual carefully considering different options before making a decision. For example, "The jury is still deliberating on the verdict."

What's a simpler way to say "deliberating"?

Depending on the context, you can use words like "considering", "thinking about", or "weighing" as alternatives to "deliberating".

Is "deliberating" always used in a formal setting?

While "deliberating" often appears in formal contexts like legal proceedings or policy discussions, it can also describe thoughtful consideration in less formal situations where careful thought is required.

What is the nuance between "deliberating" and "discussing"?

"Discussing" implies an exchange of ideas, while "deliberating" suggests a careful weighing of options to reach a decision. You might discuss options before deliberating on the best course of action.