Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
passive decision
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "passive decision" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a decision made without active engagement or involvement, often implying a lack of initiative or assertiveness. Example: "The committee reached a passive decision, allowing the situation to unfold without taking any decisive action."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Alternative expressions(3)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
9 human-written examples
Forty adult participants (25 44 years; males = 23) completed two sets of 15 balloon trials in active and passive decision making modes of the Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART).
Science
Facebook apparently wants to host it, or has made the passive decision to host it because, in the end, Facebook doesn't really want to have to care about what's on the pages it hosts so long as its users spend a lot of time "poking" each other and pretending to fertilize each other's imaginary farms in "Farmville" (if you have to ask, don't).
News & Media
For every context where a nudge seems like a realistic option, there's at least another context where the application of passive decision support would be either be impossible - or, worse, a mistake.
News & Media
In my own research group, we lump these kinds of interventions under the umbrella of passive decision support because they don't require a lot of effort on the part of a decision-maker.
News & Media
Passive decision making seemed also to be associated with trust in healthcare professionals.
Participants seemed to value on-demand information or passive decision support, in sources easily accessed that provide timely information to specific questions in formats they find helpful.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
50 human-written examples
Older patients are often conceptualised as passive decision-makers.
As previously described, each subject was asked to perform 15 repeated balloon tasks for each of the active and passive decision-making modes.
Science
Women who have an active decision-making style are more likely to take part in studies than women with a passive decision-making style [ 8].
Science
Many older women with breast cancer may be considered involved rather than passive decision-makers, and may benefit from DSIs designed to support decision making and coping within and beyond the clinic setting.
The results of the current study were inconsistent with previous research using the Control Preference Scale (CPS) that reported the majority of men within 0 13 weeks of receiving their diagnosis preferred a passive decision-making role (Davison et al, 1995).
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Consider the implications of framing a decision as "passive". Highlight if it led to negative or unforeseen consequences.
Common error
Avoid using "passive decision" when the decision-making process involved deliberate delegation or an informed choice to allow external factors to dictate the outcome. Passivity indicates a lack of engagement, not necessarily a neutral or hands-off approach.
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "passive decision" functions as a noun phrase where "passive" is an adjective modifying the noun "decision". It describes the quality or manner in which a decision is made. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
Frequent in
Science
60%
News & Media
30%
Formal & Business
10%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "passive decision" is a grammatically correct term used to describe a decision reached through inaction or a lack of active involvement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's most commonly found in scientific and news-related contexts. While not as frequent as other decision-making terms, "passive decision" accurately conveys a specific type of choice where deliberate action is minimal or absent. Understanding the connotations of "passivity" is crucial to avoid misinterpretations, ensuring it appropriately reflects the nature of the decision being described.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
default decision
This alternative indicates a decision that occurs automatically if no active choice is made.
hands-off decision
This alternative emphasizes a lack of intervention or direct involvement in the decision.
reactive decision
This alternative stresses that the decision is a response to something rather than proactive.
unchallenged decision
This alternative implies that the decision was accepted without opposition or scrutiny.
acquiescent decision
This alternative highlights agreement or compliance without active participation in the decision.
non-interventionist decision
This emphasizes a choice not to get involved actively.
deferential decision
This highlights yielding to another's judgment in the decision.
uninvolved decision
This focuses on the absence of participation in decision-making.
implied decision
This suggests a decision that is understood but not explicitly stated.
inadvertent decision
This points to a decision made unintentionally or without careful consideration.
FAQs
How is a "passive decision" different from an active one?
A "passive decision" implies a lack of direct involvement or deliberate choice. An "active decision" involves conscious evaluation and selection among options.
What are some situations where "passive decision"-making might occur?
A "passive decision" might occur when someone defaults to a pre-selected option, when there's a failure to act, or when an individual allows external circumstances to dictate the outcome without intervention.
Is making a "passive decision" always a bad thing?
Not necessarily. Sometimes, a "passive decision" can be efficient or appropriate, particularly when the stakes are low or when there's a valid reason to defer to others. However, it's crucial to consider the potential consequences of not actively participating in decision-making.
What are some alternative phrases to "passive decision"?
Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you could use alternatives like "default decision", "unchallenged decision", or "reactive decision".
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested