a definitive choice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a definitive choice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a clear and final decision made among various options. Example: "After much deliberation, we finally reached a definitive choice regarding the project's direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

A preliminary glance at both gives little basis for a definitive choice of one over the other.

The New York Times - Books

There is a strong case for Germany to make a definitive choice whether to agree to eurobonds or to leave the euro.

The Guardian - Business

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton Davidd H. Petraeus, the new director of the Central Intelligence Agency; and Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, the new chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, planned to push their Pakistani counterparts to make a definitive choice between fighting terrorists or supporting them, the administration official said.

The New York Times

A definitive choice is only made when a player takes part in a competitive match.

BBC

With his allegiance divided between the throne and the Catholic Church, More demurs, until circumstances force him to make a definitive choice.

Huffington Post

"I don't have a definitive choice yet.

Human Resources for Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Call the E.U.'s response to China's investment conditions a sudden, global responsibility of a kind that goes beyond the boundaries of what 21st-century Europe had always done best: blur the edges of any definitive choice more complicated than pure self-interest.

The New York Times

According to Islamic thought, the existence of hell (Jahannam) bears witness to God's sovereignty, justice, and mercy and also stands as a warning to individuals and nations of the definitive choice to be made between fidelity and infidelity, righteousness and iniquity, and life and death.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When a couple like that is used to looking at every possible situation from every possible angle, I think it becomes harder to make one crucial, definitive choice.

The New York Times

Today Warsaw is making even bigger efforts to find the right balance between its strong security relationship with America and the closer economic and political ties it has forged with other EU countries.The definitive choice of system will probably be made this year instead of 2015, as had been planned.

The Economist

This sweet four-speaker setup from Ritmo looks like the definitive choice for womb-bound audiophiles.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a definitive choice" when you want to emphasize that a decision is final, clear, and leaves no room for doubt. It is particularly useful in situations where multiple options exist and a firm decision is required.

Common error

Avoid using "a definitive choice" for everyday decisions or preferences. Reserve it for situations where the decision carries significant weight or has long-term implications. This maintains the phrase's impact and avoids making trivial choices sound overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a definitive choice" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It highlights the act of making a clear and conclusive decision. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a definitive choice" is a noun phrase used to describe a clear and final decision. It's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic writing. Ludwig highlights its appropriateness for conveying certainty and resolution in decision-making. While not as common as simpler alternatives, using "a definitive choice" effectively conveys a sense of finality and eliminates ambiguity. It’s best reserved for significant decisions to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear choice

Emphasizes the lack of ambiguity in the selection.

a final decision

Highlights the conclusive nature of the selection.

a firm decision

Stresses the resolute nature of the choice.

an unequivocal choice

Indicates a choice that is unambiguous and clear.

a decisive selection

Highlights the act of choosing with determination.

an absolute decision

Focuses on the unrestricted nature of the decision.

a conclusive determination

Stresses the final and resolving aspect of the selection.

a settled choice

Emphasizes the stability and agreement around the selection.

a certain choice

Highlights the assured and confident nature of the decision.

a strategic choice

Emphasizes that the choice has been made considering strategic implications.

FAQs

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

You can use "a definitive choice" to indicate a clear and final decision. For example: "After careful consideration, the committee made "a definitive choice" regarding the project's funding."

What's the difference between "a definitive choice" and "a final choice"?

"A definitive choice" implies a sense of clarity and certainty in the decision, whereas "a final choice" simply indicates that the decision is the last one. "A definitive choice" suggests that the decision is not only final but also well-reasoned and leaves no room for doubt.

Are there situations where using "a definitive choice" might be inappropriate?

Yes, using "a definitive choice" might be inappropriate in informal or trivial situations where a strong emphasis on finality isn't necessary. In such cases, simpler terms like "a choice" or "a decision" might be more suitable.

What can I say instead of "a definitive choice"?

You can use alternatives like "a clear choice", "a firm decision", or "a decisive selection" depending on the context.