to deliberate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to deliberate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of considering or discussing something carefully before making a decision. Example: "The committee needs time to deliberate on the proposed changes before reaching a conclusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I like to deliberate.

The New York Times

The jurors withdrew to deliberate.

The New Yorker

To his surprise, the man stopped and began to deliberate.

The New Yorker

But he added that they, too, intended to deliberate.

The New York Times

"We do not have another year to deliberate," he said.

The New York Times - Science

The jurors waited till the afternoon to deliberate.

The New York Times

It's one thing to deliberate and review grants.

The Guardian

Then the jury heard closing arguments and went to deliberate.

The Guardian

It was time for the jury to deliberate.

The New Yorker

Nurses are encouraged to deliberate and think, not just do.

The Guardian

Old Booker used to deliberate at length in posh restaurants.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to deliberate", ensure the context implies a careful and thoughtful consideration, rather than a hasty decision.

Common error

Avoid using "to deliberate" when the context requires immediate action. Deliberation implies a period of thoughtful consideration, which may not be appropriate in urgent situations.

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to deliberate" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of carefully considering or discussing something. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts such as jury decisions or policy considerations, which supports this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to deliberate" functions as a verb phrase signifying careful consideration before making a decision. As Ludwig examples show, it appears most frequently in news and media, science, and encyclopedic contexts, suggesting a formal to neutral register. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. When writing, remember that using "to deliberate" implies a thoughtful, reasoned approach, and should be used when speed is not a priority, and a well-thought-out decision is the goal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to consider carefully

This alternative focuses on the thoughtfulness and attention given during consideration.

to weigh the options

This highlights the process of comparing different choices before making a decision.

to mull over

This suggests a more internal and reflective consideration.

to reflect upon

This emphasizes the act of thinking deeply about something, often from a past experience.

to give thought to

This is a more general way of saying to consider something.

to examine closely

Focuses on a detailed inspection before coming to a conclusion.

to assess carefully

Suggests evaluating something meticulously.

to pore over

Implies intense and prolonged consideration.

to chew over

Similar to 'mull over', suggesting a thoughtful and sometimes difficult consideration.

to take into consideration

Highlights the inclusion of something as a factor in a decision-making process.

FAQs

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

You can use "to deliberate" to describe the act of carefully considering something before making a decision. For example, "The jury needs time "to deliberate" the verdict."

What are some alternatives to "to deliberate"?

Alternatives include "to consider carefully", "to weigh the options", or "to reflect upon" depending on the specific context.

Is "to deliberate" formal or informal?

"To deliberate" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal term, suitable for professional, academic, and journalistic contexts.

What is the difference between "to deliberate" and "to consider"?

"To consider" is a more general term for thinking about something. "To deliberate" implies a more careful and thorough consideration, often involving weighing different options or arguments.