it has not been decided

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it has not been decided" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to an unresolved decision or an action that has not yet been taken. For example: "The fate of the project is still up in the air - it has not been decided if it will move forward or not."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

He said it has not been decided where the new company will have its headquarters.

Los Angeles Times

"It has not been decided whether this is a worthy object," he added with characteristic wryness.

The Guardian - Books

The situation is practically better but it has not been decided yet".

The Guardian

It has not been decided exactly which sex offenders would have their names posted online.

The New York Times

It has not been decided where the flag will be permanently displayed after it is preserved.

The New York Times

It has not been decided who will receive the money being forfeited.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

It has not being decided who will print it and this is specific to entire Pakistan.

Global Health Action

We're rebuilding the old zoo completely... We're going to have Japanese macaques, or maybe Barbary apes--it hasn't been decided which.

The New Yorker

But it hasn't been decided," she said.

The Guardian

When asked whether he would run Kinsley's column, he replied, "It hasn't been decided".

The New Yorker

It hasn't been decided how many nights each year an absentee host could rent their primary residence.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it has not been decided", ensure the context clearly indicates who is responsible for making the decision and what the subject of the decision is. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it has not been decided" without specifying what "it" refers to. Unclear references can confuse the reader. Always provide context or clarify the subject of the decision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has not been decided" functions as a statement indicating that a decision regarding a particular matter is pending or has not yet been reached. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it has not been decided" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that a decision is pending or has yet to be made. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. While versatile, clarity is essential: ensure the subject of the decision is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "a decision hasn't been reached" or "no decision has been made" for nuanced variations in tone or emphasis. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively use "it has not been decided" to convey uncertainty or a lack of resolution in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a decision hasn't been reached

Uses a passive voice and focuses on the lack of a final decision.

no decision has been made

Emphasizes the absence of a decision with a slightly more formal tone.

it's still under consideration

Highlights the ongoing evaluation process, suggesting a decision is pending.

the matter is unresolved

Focuses on the state of being unresolved rather than the act of deciding.

a conclusion is pending

Indicates that the process is ongoing and awaiting a final conclusion.

the outcome is yet to be determined

Stresses the uncertainty of the result or consequence.

the issue remains open

Suggests the topic is still subject to discussion and possible changes.

no determination has been arrived at

Uses a more formal tone to convey the lack of a conclusive decision.

it remains to be seen

Emphasizes that the future outcome is unknown and will become clear later.

the jury is still out

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate that opinions are divided and no consensus has been reached.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it has not been decided" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "no decision has been made" or "a decision hasn't been reached".

What does "it has not been decided" imply about the decision-making process?

It implies that the decision-making process is still ongoing, and a final resolution or outcome is yet to be determined. Factors may still be under consideration or discussion.

Is "it has not been decided" interchangeable with "a decision is pending"?

While similar, "a decision is pending" emphasizes that the decision is expected soon, whereas "it has not been decided" simply states that no decision has been made, without implying a specific timeframe.

Can you use "it has not been decided" when a decision was attempted but failed?

Yes, even if there were attempts to decide, "it has not been decided" is appropriate if those attempts didn't result in a conclusive outcome. A phrase like "the matter is unresolved" could also be fitting.