make this decision lightly

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'make this decision lightly' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when one is cautioning someone to not make a serious decision without serious thought and consideration, and to make sure the decision is appropriate for the situation. For example: "Don't make this decision lightly; think carefully before you take any action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

John Wagner reports: " 'I do not make this decision lightly — I make it out of respect for my family.

The Washington Post

"Securing our facilities and ensuring the safety of our personnel are top department priorities, and we did not make this decision lightly," Harf said.

The Guardian

"The utility owners do not make this decision lightly," said Mike Hummel, deputy general manager of Salt River Project, which operates the plant and owns it along with several utility companies and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

The Washington Post

But NPR, in its initial statement, made it sound like this was just about a few bad sentences that had spoiled a good thing: Juan has been a valuable contributor to NPR and public radio for many years and we did not make this decision lightly or without regret.

The New Yorker

Simply put, do not make this decision lightly and be very thoughtful before committing to it.

Forbes

We understand that, and we want all of you to know that he did not make this decision lightly.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"They're people who have worked hard for their money and not made this decision lightly".

The New York Times - Science

My postdoctoral adviser was initially surprised but realized that I was not making this decision lightly.

Science Magazine

He said calling in the National Guard was a "last resort" and that he had "not made this decision lightly".

BBC

Tanker driver and Unite member Nick Dennis, from Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, said: "We're not making this decision lightly.

BBC

"I have not made this decision lightly," Hogan said.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "make this decision lightly", ensure that the context clearly highlights the potential consequences of not giving the decision adequate thought.

Common error

Don't assume your audience inherently understands the gravity of the decision at hand. Explicitly state why careful consideration is crucial to prevent misunderstandings and ensure your message resonates effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make this decision lightly" functions as an admonitory expression. Ludwig AI shows it is generally used to caution someone against impulsively making a choice without due consideration of the potential repercussions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make this decision lightly" serves as a warning against impulsive decision-making. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and functions to advise caution. While the phrase isn't exceedingly common, it appears across various sources, particularly in News & Media and Wiki. When using this phrase, consider emphasizing the potential consequences if the decision isn't given due consideration. Remember, alternative phrases like "not give this decision enough thought" can offer nuanced ways to convey the importance of careful deliberation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take this decision lightly

Replacing "make" with "take" maintains the core meaning but shifts the emphasis to the act of embracing or accepting the decision, rather than creating it.

treat this decision lightly

Using "treat" implies handling the decision with insufficient care or seriousness, highlighting the potential for disrespecting its importance.

dismiss this decision lightly

Substituting "dismiss" suggests rejecting the decision's significance without proper evaluation, emphasizing the potential for overlooking crucial factors.

overlook this decision lightly

Replacing "make" with "overlook" suggests failing to consider the full implications of the decision, rather than creating it without care.

disregard this decision lightly

Using "disregard" implies intentionally ignoring the gravity of the decision, emphasizing a willful lack of attention to its potential consequences.

not give this decision enough thought

This longer alternative directly addresses the lack of consideration, shifting from a light approach to a deficit of thoughtfulness.

not consider this decision carefully

This alternative emphasizes the importance of careful consideration, highlighting the risks of inadequate assessment.

not ponder this decision deeply

Using "ponder deeply" suggests a lack of profound reflection, emphasizing the need for thoughtful contemplation.

jump to this decision

This idiom suggests making a quick, rash decision without adequate consideration, contrasting with the desired thoughtful approach.

rush into this decision

Replacing "make" with "rush into" conveys a sense of haste and insufficient preparation, highlighting the need for a more deliberate approach.

FAQs

How can I use "make this decision lightly" in a sentence?

You can use "make this decision lightly" to advise against rushing into a choice without proper consideration. For example, "Before changing careers, don't "make this decision lightly"; weigh the pros and cons carefully".

What does "make this decision lightly" mean?

The phrase "make this decision lightly" means to approach a decision without giving it enough thought or considering its potential consequences. It implies a lack of seriousness and deliberation.

What's a good alternative to "make this decision lightly"?

A good alternative is to say "not give this decision enough thought". This alternative conveys the same message of needing to ponder a decision with greater care.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "make this decision lightly"?

It's appropriate to use "make this decision lightly" when cautioning someone against rushing into a choice that could have significant repercussions if not properly considered.