a clear cut choice

USAGE SUMMARY

"a clear cut choice" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is usually used to refer to a definite decision or option that is obvious or easy to make. For example, "After considering all of my options, it seemed like there was a clear cut choice: to go to university."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It is not always a clear cut choice to rescue a boat carrying refugees and migrants, says Xuereb.

The Guardian

"It is not," he writes, "a clear cut choice between liberty and security, siding with the civil liberties lobby or the forces of law and order".

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"There is, absolutely, a clear-cut choice between Labor and the Liberals on renewable energy.

The Guardian

But the Yankees did not have a clear-cut choice for Wednesday's starting pitcher and opted to give 23-year-old Dellin Betances the ball.

The New York Times

After a three-diamond opening from East, three no-trump, with a double diamond stopper, was a clear-cut choice for Pear as South.

The New York Times - Arts

JUST after the political conventions this summer, it looked as if America had a clear-cut choice about how the economy should be managed.

The New York Times

Its failure to hold the bust's malefactors accountable has helped turn what should have been a clear-cut choice on Nov. 2 into a blurry contest between the party of big corporations and the party of business as usual.

The New York Times

The six new episodes of "Southland" (TNT has not announced a decision about renewing the show) will now compete at 10 p.m. with one of NBC's plug-the-dike shows, the family dramedy "Parenthood," offering viewers a clear-cut choice.

The New York Times - Arts

For Mr. McCall, 66, a one-on-one format would have sent a message to voters that the race was a clear-cut choice between the two major-party candidates.

The New York Times

Europe's leaders face a clear-cut choice: For their integration agenda to succeed — preserving the free movement of people within the bloc, forging ahead with the euro and the single market, keeping doors open to outsiders — the E.U. must figure out how to overcome the narrow national interests and mistrust that tie it up in knots every time a collective response is needed.

The New York Times

Mr. Kennedy deputized Dr. Horowitz, who lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, to research all treatment options before deciding on an intensive regimen of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation — hardly a clear-cut choice with an almost inevitably lethal disease and a patient of Mr. Kennedy's age.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a clear cut choice" when you want to emphasize that a decision is straightforward and lacks ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a clear cut choice" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "obvious decision" or "straightforward option".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clear cut choice" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that it describes a straightforward decision.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clear cut choice" is a common phrase used to describe an easy and obvious decision. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It is found across various contexts, especially in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the straightforward nature of the decision. If overused, consider using synonyms like "obvious decision" or "straightforward option" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an obvious decision

Focuses on the ease and lack of ambiguity in the decision itself.

a straightforward option

Highlights the simplicity and directness of the available choice.

an easy pick

Emphasizes the lack of difficulty in selecting an option.

a simple selection

Stresses the uncomplicated nature of the choosing process.

a no-brainer

Indicates that the decision is so obvious it requires little thought.

an open-and-shut case

Implies the matter is resolved with a definitive and evident solution.

an indisputable election

Highlights that no argument can be made against that selection.

a foregone conclusion

Suggests the outcome was predictable and virtually certain.

a self-evident determination

Emphasizes that the decision is clear and requires no further proof.

a conclusive verdict

Focuses on finality and decisiveness of the option or choice.

FAQs

How to use "a clear cut choice" in a sentence?

You can use "a clear cut choice" to describe a decision that is easy and obvious. For example, "Given the circumstances, supporting the proposal was "an obvious decision"."

What can I say instead of "a clear cut choice"?

You can use alternatives like "straightforward option", "easy pick", or "simple selection" depending on the context.

Is it "clear cut choice" or "clear-cut choice"?

Both "clear cut choice" and "clear-cut choice" are acceptable, but the hyphenated version, "clear-cut choice", is generally preferred for increased readability, especially when used as a compound adjective.

What's the difference between "a clear cut choice" and "a difficult choice"?

"A clear cut choice" implies an easy decision with obvious advantages, while "a difficult choice" suggests a decision involving conflicting options and potential downsides.