having difficulty deciding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "having difficulty deciding" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a struggle or challenge in making a choice or decision. Example: "I am having difficulty deciding which restaurant to choose for dinner tonight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

I happily said that I could, but I also confessed that I was having difficulty deciding whether I could see myself living in Maine.

The New York Times

It was having difficulty deciding which activist to choose.

BBC

The Type II dilemma zone describes a segment of road on the approach to a signalized intersection where, if occupied by a motorist presented with the circular yellow indication, is likely to result in a motorist having difficulty deciding to stop at the stop line or proceed through the intersection.

Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour

Meanwhile, it looks as if the couple is having difficulty deciding on names for their new baby.

Huffington Post

If a student is having difficulty deciding, excellent interest inventories like Strongs and/or Myers Briggs can help reveal interests and possible directions a student may take.

Huffington Post

If you're having difficulty deciding what is real and what isn't because you're too scared, talk to someone: a family member, a trusted friend, a neighbor, even a hotline.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

But both organizations split over the war and are having difficulties deciding what to do once the war is over.

The New York Times

Tell a trusted adult/friend/teacher. Explain to them that you are having difficulties deciding whether to pick your own path or follow what others do.

WikiHow

Castañeda has difficulty deciding whether Alan García is part of the "right" or the "wrong" left.

The Guardian - Opinion

Monk has had difficulty deciding on a title, and David Robertson will announce her final choice from the stage.

The New Yorker

But the governor has had difficulty deciding, vacillating between allowing gas drilling in the Southern Tier of New York — near the Pennsylvania border — and continuing to ban it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "having difficulty deciding", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the subject is struggling to decide. Be specific to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "difficulty" directly to modify the noun 'deciding'. The correct structure is "having difficulty in deciding" or "having difficulty with deciding", although the preposition can often be omitted for conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having difficulty deciding" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of indecision or struggle in making a choice. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's a grammatically correct and usable expression in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "having difficulty deciding" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express a struggle or challenge in making a decision. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across diverse contexts. It's considered appropriate for general use, particularly in news, scientific writing, and wiki articles. Alternatives like "finding it difficult to choose" or "struggling to decide" offer similar meanings, and ensuring clarity in the context of what decision is being struggled with will enhance the impact of the expression. Common errors to avoid include using 'difficulty' directly as a noun modifier without a preposition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

finding it difficult to choose

This alternative directly replaces "deciding" with "choose", maintaining a similar level of formality but shifting the emphasis slightly to the act of selecting.

struggling to decide

This phrase uses "struggling" to emphasize the effort involved in making a decision, adding a sense of challenge.

hesitating to decide

Focuses on the hesitation aspect, useful when the delay in decision-making is prominent.

having trouble choosing

Replaces "difficulty" with "trouble" and "deciding" with "choosing", offering a more informal tone.

at a loss to decide

Indicates a state of confusion or uncertainty about what to decide, suggesting a lack of clear options.

in a quandary about what to decide

Uses "quandary" to highlight a perplexing or difficult situation that makes deciding challenging.

torn between options

Emphasizes the conflict between different choices, highlighting the internal struggle.

unable to make a decision

Indicates a complete inability to decide, suggesting a more serious obstacle than just difficulty.

wavering in decision

Suggests a back-and-forth movement between different options, implying indecisiveness.

experiencing indecision

Uses a more formal term, "indecision", to describe the state of being unable to decide easily.

FAQs

What does "having difficulty deciding" mean?

It means you are experiencing a challenge or struggle in making a choice or judgment. You are finding it hard to come to a conclusion.

What can I say instead of "having difficulty deciding"?

You can use alternatives like "finding it difficult to choose", "struggling to decide", or "hesitating to decide" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "having a difficulty deciding"?

While understandable, it is more grammatically sound to say "having difficulty deciding" without the article "a". The phrase "having difficulty" functions as a set phrase.

What's the difference between "having difficulty deciding" and "finding it hard to choose"?

The phrases are very similar in meaning. "Finding it hard to choose" might be perceived as slightly more informal, while "having difficulty deciding" is neutral and appropriate in most contexts.