unable to decide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'unable to decide' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when talking about a difficult situation where someone is unsure which option to choose and is therefore undecided. For example: "I was unable to decide which candidate to hire for the job, so I asked for some advice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even his publishers seem unable to decide.

The New York Times - Books

Unable to decide which to consume, it starves to death.

The New Yorker

Unable to decide between two neighboring restaurants we split up into two groups and chose both!

Princeton University

The cow's brow appears furrowed, as if it is unable to decide which one to use.

The New York Times - Magazine

The maharaja dithered for months, unable to decide between two equally unattractive options.

The New Yorker

But for more than a quarter-century, researchers have been unable to decide between two explanations.

The New York Times

For three months the Johnsons were unable to decide on a first name for their son.

The New Yorker

However, some users may feel inhibited or unable to decide in cases where product differences are very subtle.

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics

A second trial ended last week with jurors again unable to decide.

The New York Times

She's willing to pay a share, but unable to decide what share is appropriate.

The New York Times

The Japanese government meanwhile seemed unable to decide exactly how to reform its debt-laden banking sector.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation where someone is "unable to decide", provide context about the reasons behind their indecision. This adds depth and clarity to your writing.

Common error

While "unable to decide" is acceptable, overuse of passive constructions can make your writing sound weak. Sometimes, restructuring the sentence to highlight the actor (the person who cannot decide) can improve clarity and impact. For example, instead of "A decision was unable to be made", you could say "The committee could not decide".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unable to decide" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of indecision or lack of capacity to reach a conclusion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unable to decide" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to express indecision or difficulty in making a choice. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in varied contexts, from news reports and academic papers to scientific articles, indicating its broad applicability. While alternatives like "struggling to choose" or "undecided" exist, "unable to decide" offers a neutral yet formal tone suitable for professional and academic writing. The key is to provide context when using this phrase to enhance clarity and impact. Be mindful of overuse of the passive voice, and consider restructuring sentences for a more direct and engaging style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

struggling to choose

Focuses on the effort and difficulty involved in making a choice.

having trouble deciding

Emphasizes the difficulty experienced in the decision-making process.

finding it hard to decide

Highlights the subjective experience of difficulty in reaching a decision.

in a quandary

Uses a more formal term to describe a state of perplexity or uncertainty.

undecided

A shorter adjective form indicating a lack of decision.

torn between options

Conveys the feeling of being pulled in different directions by multiple choices.

at a loss to decide

Suggests a feeling of helplessness or confusion in the face of a decision.

cannot make up my mind

An idiomatic expression meaning unable to come to a decision.

wavering between choices

Describes a fluctuating state of indecision.

hesitant to decide

Indicates a reluctance or unwillingness to make a decision.

FAQs

How can I use "unable to decide" in a sentence?

You can use "unable to decide" to describe someone's difficulty in making a choice. For instance, "After considering all the options, I was "unable to decide" which offer to accept".

What are some alternatives to "unable to decide"?

Alternatives include "struggling to choose", "having trouble deciding", or simply "undecided". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "unable to decide" or "can't decide"?

"Unable to decide" is generally considered more formal than "can't decide". Use "unable to decide" in professional or academic writing, while "can't decide" is fine for informal communication.

What does it mean when someone says they are "torn between options" instead of "unable to decide"?

"Torn between options" implies a more emotional or conflicted state of indecision, suggesting strong pulls in multiple directions. "Unable to decide" is a more neutral expression of indecision. You could also say you are "wavering between choices".