a compulsory choice

USAGE SUMMARY

"a compulsory choice" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used when talking about a choice which must be made, due to a certain rule or requirement. For example: "Due to the company policy, employees are required to make a compulsory choice between the two retirement plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

His assignment to write about "Avatar" was not an attempt to advance a particular agenda, he said, but rather "a compulsory choice" given the anticipation surrounding the film.

The New York Times

[ 5] When confronted with a compulsory choice, all doctors, care teams and families then face the double difficulty of responsibility and doubt.

BMC Palliative Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The most obvious case in which suicide can be a rational (though not morally compulsory) choice is when a person suffers a painful, debilitating and incurable illness.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is compulsory choice between the right to decline arbitration and the right to have the aid of equity in a federal court.

Cornell University

Discussions with the Australian electoral officer, where voting is already compulsory, had made her realise it would be difficult to introduce a compulsory system in a country used to having a choice on whether to vote.

The Guardian

Requirements for a Compulsory License.

Cornell University

A plebiscite is not a compulsory vote.

The Guardian - Opinion

4 Deserts publishes a compulsory kit list.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

French military personnel are subject to a compulsory vaccination schedule.

Public Health

Defining PSHE as a compulsory part of the national curriculum, and ensuring teachers have the training they need to deliver it effectively, would ensure every young person has the information and the skills they need to make informed choices.

The Guardian

Respondent’s answer asserted a compulsory patent-infringement counterclaim.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a compulsory choice" when you want to emphasize that a decision is not optional and is dictated by a rule, law, or circumstance. This highlights the lack of genuine volition in the selection.

Common error

Avoid using "a compulsory choice" when describing situations where individuals have genuine freedom of selection. The phrase indicates a lack of true optionality, so ensure it accurately reflects the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a compulsory choice" functions as a noun phrase, where "compulsory" modifies the noun "choice". It indicates that the selection is not optional but required. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct, though not very common.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a compulsory choice" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe situations where a selection is mandatory rather than optional. While Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as correct, it's relatively rare in usage. It appears in various contexts, including news, science, and academic writing, with a generally neutral to formal tone. Remember to use this phrase when you want to emphasize the lack of voluntary selection in a given scenario.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

An obligatory selection

Emphasizes the binding nature of the decision, similar to "a compulsory choice".

A required decision

Highlights the mandatory aspect, suggesting the decision is not optional.

A mandatory option

Focuses on the enforced nature of the option, indicating little to no flexibility.

An unavoidable election

Stresses the ineluctable character of the selection, suggesting no escape from making it.

A prescribed alternative

Indicates that the alternative is set or dictated by an external authority or rule.

A stipulated preference

Highlights that the 'preference' is actually part of a formal agreement or requirement.

A predetermined selection

Emphasizes that the selection was already decided, removing the element of free will.

An enforced decision

Stresses the lack of voluntary action, showing the decision is imposed.

A non-voluntary choice

Directly indicates that the choice is not made freely or willingly.

An imposed alternative

Illustrates that the alternative is forced upon the person making the decision.

FAQs

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

You can use "a compulsory choice" when referring to a selection that is required due to a rule, regulation, or unavoidable circumstance. For example, "Due to the new policy, employees face "a compulsory choice" between two health plans".

What phrases are similar to "a compulsory choice"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a required decision", "an obligatory selection", or "a mandatory option", all highlighting the lack of voluntary selection.

Is "a compulsory choice" the same as "a voluntary choice"?

No, "a compulsory choice" is the opposite of "a voluntary choice". "A compulsory choice" implies a mandatory selection, while "a voluntary choice" indicates that an individual has the freedom to choose.

In what contexts is "a compulsory choice" typically used?

This phrase is used in contexts where rules, regulations, or circumstances dictate that a selection must be made, such as in legal, medical, or employment settings.