was deciding

USAGE SUMMARY

"was deciding" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a verb in the past continuous form, which is used to describe an action that was in progress at a specific time in the past. Example sentence: He was deciding what to do when his parents walked in.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The challenge was deciding where to dig.

The New Yorker

It was deciding not to retreat into her victimhood.

The New York Times

The hard part was deciding which tool to use.

The New Yorker

"So I was deciding which coast to move to".

The New York Times

The hard part was deciding on the runners-up.

The New York Times

The first was deciding where to put the stairway.

The New York Times

Simpson's first problem was deciding how to define a "Fallen".

The Guardian - Books

The hard part was deciding if Franco really wanted it.

The New York Times - Sports

"The most fun was deciding where I would have lunch".

The New York Times

The first was deciding on the look of the Angel.

The New Yorker

"I was deciding between money and men, between niggardliness and romance".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was deciding" to describe an ongoing decision-making process in the past. It provides context about the timing of the decision.

Common error

Avoid using "was deciding" to describe a decision that has already been fully made and finalized. Use "decided" instead to indicate a completed action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was deciding" functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense. It describes an action that was in progress at a specific point in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Lifestyle

3%

Science

2%

Sports

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was deciding" is a grammatically sound and common verb phrase used to depict an ongoing decision-making process in the past. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. Primarily found in news and media contexts, it efficiently communicates that someone was in the midst of weighing options without a final conclusion yet reached. When writing, use "was deciding" to specify a past action that was still in progress, and avoid using it when the decision is already complete, opting for "decided" instead. Alternatives like "was considering" or "was contemplating" can add nuanced meaning depending on the context. Overall, understanding the correct usage ensures clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was in the process of deciding

This alternative emphasizes the ongoing nature of the decision-making process, adding a bit more detail.

was considering

This option highlights the act of thinking about different possibilities before making a decision.

was contemplating

This implies a more thoughtful and deliberate consideration of the options.

was in the midst of choosing

This variation focuses on the selection aspect of deciding, stressing that a choice is being made.

was working out

This suggests trying to solve a problem or find a solution that requires a decision.

was figuring out

This conveys the act of trying to understand or find a solution before deciding on something.

was leaning toward

This shows a preference for one option over others, indicating a direction in the decision-making process.

was resolving

This option emphasizes the act of bringing something to a conclusion through a decision.

was settling on

This suggests the final stages of decision-making, where an option is being agreed upon.

was determining

This option indicates establishing something definitively, often through a careful decision-making process.

FAQs

How do I use "was deciding" in a sentence?

Use "was deciding" to describe a situation where someone was in the process of making a decision at a specific time in the past. For example, "He was deciding which university to attend when he received the scholarship offer".

What are some alternatives to "was deciding"?

You can use alternatives like "was considering", "was contemplating", or "was in the process of deciding" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I was deciding" or "I am deciding"?

"I was deciding" is used for past continuous actions, while "I am deciding" is for present continuous actions. Use "I was deciding" when referring to a past situation and "I am deciding" for a current situation.

What's the difference between "was deciding" and "decided"?

"Was deciding" indicates an ongoing process of making a decision, while "decided" implies that the decision has already been made. For example, "He was deciding what to eat" (process), vs. "He decided to eat pizza" (completed action).