deliberating about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'deliberating about' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are discussing and thinking about a decision or something important. For example: "The board of directors was deliberating about the company's future strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The jury began deliberating about 2 p.m. Monday, was sequestered for the night and returned the verdict precisely 24 hours after they began.

The New York Times

What gives Reid's claim appeal is the fact that when we deliberate we think that what we are deliberating about is up to us, and for Reid, what is up to us is identical to what is in our power.

SEP

Foner has long been deliberating about Lincoln.

The New York Times

Jurors returned the verdict after deliberating about three hours.

The New York Times

Our best hope, in my humble opinion, is to continue deliberating about this issue.

The New Yorker

The jury adjourned about 8 30 p.m. after deliberating about six hours.

The New York Times

The Obama administration's legal team has been deliberating about several potential options for a signing statement concerning the bill.

The New York Times

European nations are deliberating about whether to strengthen their emissions-reduction target to 30 percent below 1990 levels by 2020.

The New York Times

After deliberating about two hours, the jury rejected the death sentence, condemning Michael Williams to life in prison without parole.

The New York Times

When I believe that something is absolutely right and we have to do it, I don't spend a lot of time deliberating about it.

The New York Times

He said he was still deliberating about whether to expunge the $110,000 he still owed his bank by declaring personal bankruptcy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "deliberating about", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being considered or discussed. This helps maintain clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

While "deliberating about" is generally acceptable, it can sometimes sound overly formal in casual contexts. Consider using simpler alternatives like "thinking about" or "considering" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deliberating about" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as part of a verb phrase. It signifies the act of carefully considering something, typically before making a decision. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deliberating about" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It signifies the act of carefully considering a topic before making a decision, often in formal settings. While simpler alternatives like "thinking about" or "considering" may be suitable for casual contexts, "deliberating about" is appropriate for news, academic writing, and professional discussions. Its prevalence in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Economist underscores its reliability and acceptance in standard English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considering

Shorter and more general term for weighing options.

contemplating

Suggests a more thoughtful and prolonged consideration.

weighing up

Implies balancing different aspects or options.

pondering

Similar to contemplating, but can also suggest uncertainty.

reflecting on

Emphasizes thinking deeply about something, often past events.

mulling over

Indicates a slow and careful consideration.

thinking about

A very general term for having something in mind.

assessing

Focuses on evaluating the value or importance of something.

evaluating

Similar to assessing, but often more formal and systematic.

examining

Suggests a detailed and careful inspection or analysis.

FAQs

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

You can use "deliberating about" to describe a process of careful consideration or discussion. For instance, "The committee is "deliberating about" the proposed budget cuts".

What are some alternatives to "deliberating about"?

Alternatives include "considering", "thinking about", "reflecting on", or "weighing up" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "deliberating on" also correct?

While "deliberating on" is grammatically correct, "deliberating about" is more common and generally preferred, especially in contemporary usage. However, both are acceptable.

What is the difference between "deliberating about" and "discussing"?

"Discussing" implies a conversation or exchange of ideas, whereas "deliberating about" suggests a more formal and careful consideration of a specific issue or decision. "Deliberating about" often involves weighing different options and arguments.