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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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Make a decision lightly

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE 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

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.

Many people were being flagged for bigger and smaller reasons, but we didn't make any decisions lightly".

News & Media

Vice

Be very cautious about making a decision to fight someone; such a decision should not be made lightly.

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.

"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

Vice

Those considering a patent sale to Google over other entities shouldn't make the decision lightly.

News & Media

TechCrunch

Make sure this is a price you're willing to pay, and do not make the decision lightly.

"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

Los Angeles Times

I did not make that decision lightly.

The assumption is that women make the decision lightly.

News & Media

The New York Times

New Yorkers who decided to stay said they did not make their decision lightly.

News & Media

The New York Times
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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".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

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.

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Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: