making this decision lightly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "making this decision lightly" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you might use this phrase in a sentence such as, "I don't want to make this decision lightly, so I need to take some time to think it through."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

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

Science Magazine

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

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

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

The New York Times - Science

"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

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

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

BBC

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

TechCrunch

"While we did not make this decision lightly, we believe it is necessary and in the best long-term interests of our shareowners to adopt a dividend policy comparable to the policies of our competitors," says AT&T Chairman C. Michael Armstrong C. Michael Armstrong.

Forbes

I do not make this decision lightly.

Huffington Post

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

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "making this decision lightly" to underscore the importance of careful consideration, especially when discussing significant choices with potential consequences.

Common error

Don't use "making this decision lightly" when you simply mean a decision was made quickly. Light consideration suggests a lack of due diligence, not just speed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making this decision lightly" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a manner of decision-making. It typically modifies a verb, expressing how the decision is being made. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "making this decision lightly" is a grammatically correct expression used to convey that a decision is being made without proper thought or consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Science and Wiki contexts, suggesting a neutral register. Related phrases emphasize the lack of seriousness and potential negative consequences of such decisions. When using this phrase, be sure to highlight the importance of careful deliberation and avoid implying that a swift decision is inherently superficial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Taking this decision without much thought

Emphasizes the lack of deliberation in the decision-making process.

Not giving this decision the weight it deserves

Highlights the importance of the decision and the failure to recognize it.

Treating this decision casually

Focuses on the informal and unserious approach to the decision.

Disregarding the seriousness of this decision

Directly points out the neglect of the decision's potential consequences.

Approaching this decision frivolously

Suggests a lighthearted and potentially inappropriate attitude toward the decision.

Rushing into this decision

Highlights the hastiness and lack of planning in the decision-making process.

Not carefully considering this decision

Directly states the absence of careful thought and evaluation.

Underestimating the importance of this decision

Focuses on misjudging the significance and potential impact of the decision.

Overlooking the potential consequences of this decision

Emphasizes the failure to anticipate the possible negative outcomes.

Making this decision impulsively

Highlights the spontaneous and unplanned nature of the decision.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone is "making this decision lightly"?

Saying someone is "making this decision lightly" means they are not giving it enough serious thought or consideration. It implies a lack of careful evaluation of the potential consequences.

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

You might say, "The board isn't "making this decision lightly"; they are carefully reviewing all the options." Or, "I hope you're not "making this decision lightly", as it could affect your future."

What are some alternatives to "making this decision lightly"?

Alternatives include "taking this decision without much thought", "not carefully considering this decision", or "disregarding the seriousness of this decision".

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

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that a decision requires careful thought, and someone is not giving it the necessary attention or consideration.