a clear option

USAGE SUMMARY

"a clear option" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when there is a limited number of choices or decisions and one of those choices stands out in clarity when compared to the others. For example, "John had a clear option: he could either fight the monster or run away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

There is a clear option to resign.

The Guardian

Bank policy makers have also said that increasing the size of the fund would be a clear option if the anticipated slowdown proved deeper than expected.

The New York Times

TRANSLATION: Mr. Rotenberg believes that Web sites should make clear what information they are capturing and give users a clear option to decline to participate.

The New York Times

Sturgeon insisted that a further Scottish independence referendum remained a clear option, but again implied that it was no longer an immediate, primary objective.

The Guardian

Voters are more likely to provide an opinion if they do not have a clear option to avoid doing so, Singh and Kanagasooriam conclude.

The Guardian

In Texas, jurors are now offered a clear option of sentencing defendants to life in prison without the possibility of parole, and that seems to have reduced the number of death sentences.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

A clear options standard might also eliminate some of the simple errors in option accounting.

The New York Times

PayPal would also make adding cards from Visa or MasterCard a clearer option on par with adding a bank account.

TechCrunch

"The club is very good and for me it was a very clear option although it was quite a long way to move, but I'm really glad I've done it".

BBC

One clear option is stating what a product does not have, according to an attorney cited by Food Business News.

Huffington Post

You had an army marching on a city and you had a clear military option that could protect the city.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting choices, use “a clear option” to highlight the most logical or advantageous selection. For instance, "Given the budget constraints, investing in renewable energy is "a clear option" for long-term sustainability."

Common error

Avoid using “a clear option” when the situation involves numerous variables and uncertainties. This phrase is most effective when the decision is straightforward and easily justifiable. For example, instead of saying "Navigating international trade agreements is "a clear option"", which is overly simplistic, acknowledge the complexity by saying, "Navigating international trade agreements requires careful consideration of various factors."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clear option" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a verb. It identifies a specific choice or course of action that stands out due to its obvious advantages or logical appeal, as supported by examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a clear option" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize a straightforward and logical choice. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, ensure that the selected option is indeed easily justifiable and avoid overusing it in complex or uncertain situations. Consider alternatives like "an obvious choice" or "a straightforward alternative" to add nuance to your writing. Remember to present choices clearly to help your audience understand and appreciate the "a clear option" that you propose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an obvious choice

Emphasizes the ease of recognizing the best alternative.

a straightforward alternative

Highlights the simplicity and directness of the available path.

a distinct possibility

Focuses on the likelihood and clarity of a particular outcome.

a definite prospect

Stresses the certainty and potential of a specific option.

a plain solution

Underscores the simplicity and ease of applying the remedy.

a simple course of action

Highlights ease and lack of complication in the method used.

an uncomplicated route

Emphasizes the absence of difficulty or obstacles in the selected path.

an accessible avenue

Highlights how easily you can approach something.

a readily available option

Focuses on the ease of access to the described possibility.

a transparent opportunity

Highlights the visible and unobstructed nature of a specific chance.

FAQs

How can I use "a clear option" in a sentence?

You can use "a clear option" to emphasize that one choice is more logical or advantageous than others. For example, "Given the circumstances, pursuing further education is "a clear option" for career advancement".

What can I say instead of "a clear option"?

Alternatives to "a clear option" include "an obvious choice", "a straightforward alternative", or "a distinct possibility", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a clear option"?

Use "a clear option" when one choice is distinctly superior or more logical than others, making the decision relatively easy. Avoid using it when there are numerous factors or uncertainties involved.

Is there a difference between "a clear option" and "a better alternative"?

"A clear option" implies that the choice is not only better but also straightforward and easily justified. "A better alternative" simply suggests that one choice is preferable without necessarily implying the same level of clarity or ease of justification.