weighty decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weighty decision" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a decision that has great significance or importance, particularly when you have to carefully consider the potential consequences of the decision. For example, "Making the decision of which university to attend was a weighty decision that I had to ponder for many months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

A Weighty Decision What should J. W. do?

The New York Times - Science

It is a terribly weighty decision to be rendered so quickly.

The New York Times

"Making such a weighty decision is an awesome responsibility," Wilson said.

The Guardian

For many students, the college choice represents the first time that they have had to make a weighty decision.

The New York Times

Brennan bridles at that, saying it would be "a very weighty decision in terms of declassifying that report".

The Guardian

But the big issue remains — how do I assess the damages?" For a guy on the verge of such a weighty decision, Mr. Feinberg seems at ease.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Voters are increasingly being confronted directly with weighty decisions.

The New York Times

These weighty decisions are ultimately left up to the pilot.

The New York Times - Travel

Of course, adolescents have always grappled with weighty decisions.

The New York Times

Today's diplomatic slap at Pakistan was just a preliminary step, with more weighty decisions yet to come, a senior Indian official said.

The New York Times

The mood will depend on whether the new government can better Kashmir's dismal human-rights record, cut corruption and spur development.The central government in Delhi now faces weighty decisions.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "weighty decision" when you want to emphasize the importance and potential consequences of a particular choice, especially when deliberation and careful consideration are involved.

Common error

Avoid using "weighty decision" for simple or inconsequential choices. The phrase implies significant consequences, so reserve it for situations where the decision truly carries substantial weight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weighty decision" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "weighty" modifies the noun "decision". It emphasizes the significance and importance of the decision being made. Ludwig provides examples of its use in various contexts, confirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "weighty decision" is a commonly used phrase to describe a significant and consequential choice, as confirmed by Ludwig. Grammatically sound, it appears frequently in news and media, science and formal business contexts. While perfectly acceptable, alternative phrases such as "significant choice" or "critical judgment" can be used for variety. Remember to reserve this phrase for situations that genuinely warrant its gravitas and be thoughtful in the options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant choice

Replaces "decision" with "choice" and "weighty" with "significant", emphasizing the importance of the selection.

momentous determination

Uses more formal synonyms, making the decision sound particularly important and impactful.

critical judgment

Focuses on the aspect of making a careful and essential assessment.

consequential resolution

Highlights that the decision will lead to important consequences or outcomes.

far-reaching choice

Emphasizes the broad and extensive impact of the decision.

pivotal ruling

Highlights the importance of a key determination.

serious conclusion

Emphasizes the gravity and thoughtfulness behind the decision.

substantial call

Focuses on the considerable nature and impact of the decision.

life-altering determination

Emphasizes that the decision leads to substantial impact in one's life.

major consideration

Focuses on the importance of the thought process leading up to the final choice.

FAQs

What does "weighty decision" mean?

A "weighty decision" refers to a choice that is significant, consequential, and requires careful consideration due to its potential impact.

How can I use "weighty decision" in a sentence?

You can use "weighty decision" to describe any situation where a difficult or important choice must be made. For example, "Choosing whether to accept the new job offer was a "weighty decision" for her."

What are some synonyms for "weighty decision"?

Alternatives include "significant choice", "momentous determination", or "critical judgment" depending on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

Is "weighty decision" a formal phrase?

"Weighty decision" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is frequently found in news articles, academic papers, and everyday conversations when discussing important choices.