reserve decision

USAGE SUMMARY

"reserve decision" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use it, for example, when you want to indicate that you are withholding judgment on an issue until you have all of the relevant information. For example, you might say, "I will reserve decision on this project until I have heard from all of the stakeholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Since 1998, when Ecuador declared the Galapagos to be a marine reserve, decisions about its management have been made by a committee on which conservation bodies, tourist firms, government ministries and fishermen are all represented.

The Economist

The authorities and proponents reserve decision-making to themselves for they know what is best for us.

Forest Ecosystems

Court reserved decision.

The New Yorker

He reserved decision.

The New York Times

Judge Baxter reserved decision on the request.

The New York Times

She reserved decision on 17 others who also complained that they were denied prompt shelter.

The New York Times

Although Judge Smith found the 3 defendants guilty, he reserved decision on the amount of damages to be levied.

The New Yorker

Reserving decision, he said, "Whether the negotiators addressed these grave defects will have to be determined after reviewing the document".

The New York Times

Judge Rhodes has so far reserved decision on the pension and bargaining issues until formal eligibility hearings start on Oct. 23.

The New York Times

She reserved decision on the motion to dismiss the suit, after wondering whether her courtroom was the right forum in which to whip the Legislature into shape.

The New York Times

Justice Nicolai, who won by a wide margin and will become a county judge on Jan . 1 reserved decision, but indicated that his impartiality would not be affected.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reserve decision" when you need to indicate that a final decision is being deliberately postponed to allow for further consideration or information gathering. It is particularly appropriate in legal, formal, or high-stakes contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "reserve decision" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler phrases like "I'll think about it" or "I need more time to decide" instead. The formality of "reserve decision" can sound out of place in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reserve decision" functions as a verb-object construction, indicating the act of postponing a judgment or ruling. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's about deliberately withholding a decision. Although there are no direct examples, the provided context indicates common usage in legal settings.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reserve decision" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate the postponement of a final judgment, predominantly in formal or legal contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English, especially when indicating a need to withhold judgment until more information is available. Given its formality, it's best suited for professional or official settings, and less appropriate for casual conversation. While specific examples are not available, the general consensus is that its function is to communicate a delay in making a determination, promising a future ruling. Related phrases like "defer judgment" or "postpone the determination" can serve as alternatives, depending on the nuance required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reserve judgment

Similar to "reserve decision" but emphasizes the act of judging itself.

defer judgment

Instead of deciding now, the judgment is put off until a later time.

hold off on a decision

Suggests a temporary delay in making the final determination.

table the decision

Formally postpone discussion or consideration of the matter.

delay the ruling

Specifically refers to postponing a formal ruling or judgment.

postpone the determination

Similar to delaying, but emphasizes setting a determination aside.

withhold the verdict

Indicates a temporary suppression of a verdict.

shelve the resolution

Suggests putting aside a proposed resolution for later consideration.

suspend the conclusion

Implies a temporary halting of a conclusion.

adjourn the decision

Formally postpone the decision until a later session or date.

FAQs

How is "reserve decision" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "reserve decision" is often used by judges or authorities to indicate they will announce their decision at a later time. For example, "The judge stated he would "reserve decision" until all evidence was reviewed".

What are some alternatives to "reserve decision"?

Alternatives include "defer judgment", "hold off on a decision", or "postpone the determination". The best choice depends on the specific context.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "reserve decision"?

The term "reserve decision" is best suited for legal, formal, or official settings where a decision-maker needs time before making a final ruling. It's common in courtrooms, boardrooms, or governmental proceedings.

Is "reserve decision" considered formal language?

Yes, "reserve decision" is considered formal language. It conveys a sense of deliberation and official process. Using it in casual conversation might sound overly formal or stilted.