we were indecisive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were indecisive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where a group of people had difficulty making a decision or were uncertain about their choices. Example: "During the meeting, we were indecisive about which project to prioritize, leading to a lack of direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

We can't be monogamous, we're indecisive, we're sexually greedy, we're in denial of our "full-blown" gayness.

Huffington Post

There are tired, false tropes that plague bisexuals: We're simply gay or using the label as a stepping stone, we're sexually greedy, we're all polyamorous, we're cheaters, we live for threesomes, we're all sluts, we're indecisive, we're all kinky and we can never be satisfied with just one gender.

Huffington Post

They were indecisive.

The New Yorker

But the ensuing battles were indecisive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They were indecisive and sometimes flat-out wrong.

The New York Times

But music executives then were indecisive about how best to tackle online file sharing.

The New York Times

A total of 53 % were indecisive as to whether new information was uncovered.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Four persons in this group (10.8%) would object to use telemedical devices in the future and two were indecisive.

BMC Health Services Research

A considerable number of participants (11 38%) were indecisive about statements regarding the ethical and legal legitimacy of using placebos.

BMC Health Services Research

We cannot be indecisive in dealing with the region's most threatening dictator.

The New York Times

We can't be indecisive about what we want, we can't let ourselves off the hook every time we don't feel like doing the seemingly difficult task of changing our habits, and we can't "do it later".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were indecisive" to accurately reflect a group's inability or difficulty in making a decision, especially when explaining delays or changes in plans.

Common error

Don't use "we were indecisive" when the real issue was a lack of necessary information. If the group simply needed more data, clarify that, rather than implying a failure in decision-making ability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were indecisive" typically functions as a descriptive statement, indicating a past state of a group experiencing difficulty in making a clear or prompt decision. It directly asserts a group's state of wavering or uncertainty at a particular time.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were indecisive" is a grammatically sound way to describe a past state where a group experienced difficulty in making a decision. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While this phrase may not appear frequently in published text, it is a clear and direct way to convey a lack of decisiveness. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the situation and consider alternative phrasing for different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we couldn't decide

Replaces "indecisive" with a more direct expression of inability to choose.

we were unable to make up our minds

Emphasizes the lack of a firm decision.

we hesitated in our decision

Highlights the wavering nature of the decision-making process.

we remained uncertain

Focuses on the continued lack of clarity.

we deferred our decision

Indicates postponement of the decision.

we vacillated in our choices

Implies a back-and-forth between different options.

we were ambivalent

Suggests mixed feelings that prevented a clear decision.

we lacked resolution

Highlights the absence of decisiveness.

our decision was pending

Indicates that a decision was still awaiting.

we were torn between options

Emphasizes the difficulty of choosing between alternatives.

FAQs

How can I use "we were indecisive" in a sentence?

You can use "we were indecisive" to describe a situation where a group of people had difficulty making a decision. For example: "During the meeting, "we were indecisive" about which project to prioritize, leading to a lack of direction."

What can I say instead of "we were indecisive"?

You can use alternatives like "we couldn't decide", "we were uncertain", or "we lacked resolution" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "we were indecisive" or "we couldn't decide"?

Both phrases are correct, but "we couldn't decide" is more direct and might be preferable in informal contexts. "We were indecisive" can sound more formal and analytical.

What's the difference between "we were indecisive" and "we were confused"?

"We were indecisive" means the group had difficulty making a choice among options. "We were confused" suggests a lack of understanding or clarity about the situation itself, which may or may not lead to indecision.