Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
Make a decision lightly
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "make a decision lightly" is correct and usable in written English
You can use this phrase to express that someone has made a decision without giving it much thought or consideration and has acted impulsively. For example, "He made a decision lightly and now realizes it was a mistake."
✓ Grammatically correct
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
I'm too proud an Englishman to make a decision like this lightly.
News & Media
Many people were being flagged for bigger and smaller reasons, but we didn't make any decisions lightly".
News & Media
Be very cautious about making a decision to fight someone; such a decision should not be made lightly.
Wiki
Too many people make the decision lightly, he added, because a friend or family member recommended a certain doctor or hospital, not realizing just how much of the bill they would have to pay.
News & Media
"Crab is an important part of California's culture and economy, and I did not make this decision lightly," CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham said in a statement.
News & Media
Those considering a patent sale to Google over other entities shouldn't make the decision lightly.
News & Media
Make sure this is a price you're willing to pay, and do not make the decision lightly.
Wiki
"Crab is an important part of California's culture and economy, and I did not make this decision lightly," said fish and wildlife agency director Charlton H. Bonham in a statement.
News & Media
I did not make that decision lightly.
News & Media
The assumption is that women make the decision lightly.
News & Media
New Yorkers who decided to stay said they did not make their decision lightly.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
✓ Best practice
When using "make a decision lightly", ensure the context clearly indicates that the decision was made without careful consideration. This phrase is most effective when contrasting it with situations where decisions should be made thoughtfully.
⚠ Common error
Avoid using "make a decision lightly" in formal or professional settings, as it can imply a lack of seriousness or responsibility. Opt for more formal alternatives like "decide without due consideration" or "reach a hasty conclusion".
Linguistic Context
The phrase "make a decision lightly" functions as a verb phrase indicating the manner in which a decision is made. It suggests that the decision was not carefully considered or thoroughly thought out. According to Ludwig AI, this is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
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 "make a decision lightly" is a grammatically correct and usable English expression, although Ludwig finds few concrete examples. It describes the act of deciding without much thought or consideration. This phrase is most appropriate for neutral contexts like news, but less suitable for formal or academic writing. While grammatically sound, its overall usage is limited and it might be better to opt for similar alternative phrases that nuance the original query.
Alternative expressions
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
not give much thought to the decision
Directly states the lack of consideration given to the decision.
decide without much thought
Emphasizes the absence of deep thinking before making the decision.
jump to a conclusion
Focuses on reaching a decision quickly, possibly without sufficient evidence.
make a snap judgment
Highlights the speed and impulsiveness of the decision.
decide on a whim
Suggests the decision was based on a sudden impulse or fancy.
make a hasty decision
Emphasizes the rushed nature of the decision-making process.
More alternative expressions(5)
FAQs
What does it mean to "make a decision lightly"?
To "make a decision lightly" means to decide something without giving it much thought, consideration, or seriousness. It implies a lack of thorough deliberation before choosing a course of action.
How can I rephrase "make a decision lightly"?
You can use alternatives like "decide without much thought", "jump to a conclusion", or "make a snap judgment", depending on the context.
When is it appropriate to use the phrase "make a decision lightly"?
It's appropriate when you want to convey that someone didn't put much thought into a choice. However, avoid using it in formal settings where a more serious tone is needed.
Is "make a decision lightly" the same as being indecisive?
No, "make a decision lightly" implies a quick and perhaps careless decision, while indecisiveness refers to difficulty in making any decision at all.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
3.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested