i was undecided

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "I was undecided" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used in a variety of situations, but it typically conveys a state of uncertainty or indecisiveness. Example: - I was undecided about which restaurant to eat at, but ultimately decided on the Italian place down the road. - She asked me to choose a color for the living room walls, but I was undecided between blue and green. - Despite much deliberation, he was still undecided about which college to attend. - The committee was split on the issue and several members were still undecided.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"I was undecided, but now I'm leaning toward Elaine Quijano".

The New Yorker

So when I made the dish at home, I was undecided.

The New York Times - Food

Although I was undecided on a major, there are certain subjects I am interested in.

The New York Times

Finishing my first year at college, I was undecided on what career path I wanted to pursue.

University of California, Berkeley

I had no idea until I got there that I was undecided over which party to vote for.

Independent

"I was undecided," Monica Cordes, 45, a substitute teacher, called out to him across a line of tables, which functioned as a rope line, while Mr. Santorum's new Secret Service detail carefully watched.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

I'm undecided.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I am undecided, but I would really like your opinion on the matter.

Cornell University

"I am undecided, but I am so angry that I think I'll vote for Grillo," he said.

The New York Times

But rather than saying so, I tell them I'm undecided.

The New York Times

"I am undecided who I will vote for – but it will not be Clinton".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was undecided" to clearly convey a state of uncertainty before a decision was made. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "I was undecided" when referring to a current state of indecision. Instead, use "I am undecided" or "I'm undecided" for present uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was undecided" functions as a declarative statement expressing a past state of uncertainty or lack of decision. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is commonly used. The examples show it preceding a decision or action taken after resolving the uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

19%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was undecided" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a past state of uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. It typically appears in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the tense aligns with the time frame you are describing, and consider alternatives like "I hadn't made up my mind" or "I was on the fence" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I hadn't decided yet

Directly states the lack of a final decision.

I hadn't made up my mind

Rephrases the indecision as a lack of decision-making.

I was on the fence

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate being in between two options.

I was wavering

Focuses on the fluctuating nature of the decision-making process.

I was ambivalent

Uses a more formal term to describe having mixed feelings.

I was torn

Emphasizes the conflicting nature of the choices.

I was in two minds

Indicates internal conflict and uncertainty.

I was of two minds

Expresses the condition of considering opposing opinions or perspectives.

I remained uncommitted

Highlights the lack of a firm decision or allegiance.

I was still considering my options

Focuses on the ongoing process of evaluating choices.

FAQs

How can I use "I was undecided" in a sentence?

Use "I was undecided" to describe a past state of uncertainty before making a choice. For example, "I was undecided about which college to attend, but I ultimately chose Harvard".

What can I say instead of "I was undecided"?

You can use alternatives like "I hadn't made up my mind", "I was on the fence", or "I was wavering" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "I was undecided" or "I am undecided"?

"I was undecided" refers to a past state of indecision, while "I am undecided" refers to a present state. Use the appropriate tense based on the time frame you are describing.

Is "I'm undecided" formal or informal?

"I'm undecided" is a contraction of "I am undecided" and is generally considered suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding language and situation.