First choice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "First choice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a preferred option or selection among several alternatives. Example: "When it comes to vacation destinations, Italy is my first choice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

First choice for what?

The Guardian - Books

First, choice and competition.

Huffington Post

And because most Brits now preFirsturries and kebabs.

Vice

First choice of antibiotics is co-amoxiclav.

BMC Public Health

Now he's first choice.

Independent

"You get first choice".

The New York Times - Books

"It's almost the first choice".

The Economist

"This was his first choice.

Independent

Carr's verdict: Hogarth's first choice.

Independent

That's not our first choice.

The New York Times

Were they his first choice?

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "First choice" to clearly indicate a preferred option when presenting alternatives. This helps to convey a sense of priority or recommendation.

Common error

While "First choice" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal documents like academic papers or business proposals can sound less professional. In such cases, consider using more formal alternatives such as "preferred option" or "primary selection".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "First choice" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object. It identifies the most preferred option among several possibilities. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "First choice" is a commonly used noun phrase to express a preference or to identify the most favored option. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. As evidenced by numerous examples across various domains, including News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, "First choice" is a versatile term. While alternatives like "top pick" or "preferred option" exist, its directness and clarity make it a frequently employed expression. While generally considered neutral, its tone can be adapted based on the context, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

First preference

Synonymous, but leans towards personal taste or inclination.

Number one choice

Emphasizes the ranking of the choice above others.

Top choice

Shorter and more casual, indicating high preference.

Top pick

More informal and direct, implying a straightforward preference.

Best option

Focuses on the optimality and suitability of the choice.

Preferred option

More neutral and emphasizes the act of choosing among options.

Prime selection

Highlights the superior quality of the chosen item.

Ideal selection

Highlights that it is the most perfectly suited selection.

Leading candidate

Suggests something is the most likely selection in a process.

Choice pick

Emphasizes the quality of being carefully selected.

FAQs

How can I use "First choice" in a sentence?

You can use "First choice" to indicate a preferred option. For example, "Given the options, Italian cuisine is always my "first choice" for dinner".

What are some alternatives to "First choice"?

You can use alternatives like "top pick", "preferred option", or "number one choice" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "First choice" or should I use another phrase?

"First choice" is a correct and commonly used phrase. Its suitability depends on the context, but it is generally acceptable in most situations.

What is the difference between "First choice" and "Top priority"?

"First choice" indicates a preference among options, while "top priority" signifies something that needs immediate attention or action. The terms aren't interchangeable.