to be deliberate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be deliberate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe an action that is performed slowly and meticulously, with intent and planning. For example: "He made deliberate steps towards the podium to begin his speech."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

It all seemed to be deliberate.

The New Yorker

And the disguise appears to be deliberate.

The Guardian

Asked about it, Jubeir said, "You have to be deliberate".

The New York Times

But Shalltoot said the attack appeared to be deliberate.

The Guardian

"I'm just trying to be deliberate and thoughtful," he says.

The New York Times

The smallness of incident, over chapter after chapter, turns out to be deliberate.

The New York Times - Books

Educators have to be deliberate in the ways they address students' needs, she said.

The New York Times

But he warned that "these choices need to be deliberate and precise".

The New York Times

"You have to be deliberate if you want this to last.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The issue is expected to be deliberated after the national elections in November, and probably into the spring.

The New York Times

The same complaint followed Giuliani into politics, where he sometimes seemed to be deliberating inside an echo chamber.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be deliberate", ensure that the context clearly indicates the intention behind the action. This enhances clarity and emphasizes the purposefulness of the decision or behavior.

Common error

Avoid using "to be deliberate" in very informal settings where a more casual phrase would be more appropriate. Overusing it can make your language sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "to be careful" or "to think things through" in everyday conversations.

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to be deliberate" functions primarily as a modifier, often indicating the manner in which an action is performed. It clarifies that an action is not random or impulsive, but rather carefully considered and intentional. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be deliberate" is a versatile and grammatically correct infinitive phrase used to emphasize intentionality and careful consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is widespread, particularly in news, business, and academic contexts. It signifies that an action is performed with purpose and thoughtfulness. When using "to be deliberate", it is crucial to ensure the context aligns with the formal tone the phrase often implies, and to consider alternatives like "to be intentional" or "to be thoughtful" depending on the situation. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, writers can effectively convey the intended meaning of careful and purposeful action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be intentional

Emphasizes purposefulness and intent behind an action, slightly more direct than "to be deliberate".

to be thoughtful

Focuses on consideration and care in one's actions, highlighting the mental process involved.

to be purposeful

Highlights the existence of a specific goal or aim guiding the action, adding a sense of direction.

to be calculated

Suggests a more strategic and planned approach, often implying a degree of self-interest or precision.

to be methodical

Highlights the structured and systematic nature of the approach, emphasizing order and procedure.

to be strategic

Focuses on achieving a long-term goal through careful planning and execution.

to be conscientious

Emphasizes the moral and ethical considerations behind an action, highlighting responsibility and diligence.

to be circumspect

Highlights caution and wariness in one's actions, suggesting a desire to avoid potential risks or negative consequences.

to be prudent

Focuses on wisdom and good judgment, suggesting careful consideration of the consequences.

to be measured

Implies a controlled and balanced approach, suggesting restraint and moderation.

FAQs

How can I use "to be deliberate" in a sentence?

You can use "to be deliberate" to describe a planned or intentional action. For instance, "The company chose "to be deliberate" in its expansion strategy to ensure sustainable growth."

What's a less formal alternative to "to be deliberate"?

Less formal alternatives include "to be careful", "to think things through", or "to be thoughtful". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "to be deliberate" or "to be intentional"?

Both "to be deliberate" and "to be intentional" are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "To be deliberate" emphasizes careful consideration, while "to be intentional" focuses on having a specific purpose in mind.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "to be deliberate"?

The phrase "to be deliberate" is appropriate when you want to emphasize the careful and intentional nature of an action or decision. It's suitable for formal writing, professional communication, and situations where thoughtfulness is important.