a matter of choice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a matter of choice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a decision or selection is based on personal preference or discretion. Example: "Choosing a career path is often a matter of choice, influenced by one's interests and values."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Really, it's a matter of choice.

The New Yorker

It's a matter of choice.

The Guardian

But that's just a matter of choice.

The New Yorker

-- religion had become a matter of choice".

The New York Times

"It was a matter of choice".

The New York Times

But it is also a matter of choice.

The Economist

Reversing this would seem to be a matter of choice.

The Economist

"Faith, after all, is a matter of choice".

The New Yorker

Until it begins, war is a matter of choice.

The New Yorker

Tattooing has not always been a matter of choice.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Desire between the sexes is not a matter of choice.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a matter of choice", ensure the context clearly indicates who has the autonomy to make the decision.

Common error

Avoid using "a matter of choice" when describing situations where there is no real alternative or when external factors heavily restrict the options available.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a matter of choice" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a predicate nominative or an appositive, describing something as being determined by selection or preference. Ludwig confirms the widespread use of this phrase across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a matter of choice" is a frequently used phrase that signifies that a decision or action is based on personal preference and autonomy. It's grammatically correct and versatile, appearing across diverse contexts, with the Ludwig AI examples highlighting its prevalence in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly supports the idea of a free decision and not a necessity. To broaden your vocabulary, consider synonyms like "a question of preference" or "an issue of discretion" for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a matter of personal preference

Emphasizes the subjective element of the decision.

a question of preference

Focuses on personal taste or liking rather than a decision.

up to the individual

Indicates that the decision rests with the person involved.

at one's discretion

Indicates the freedom to use one's own judgment.

an issue of discretion

Highlights the freedom to decide based on one's judgment.

a personal decision

Highlights the personal nature of the decision.

a decision to be made

Emphasizes the act of deciding rather than the freedom to choose.

within one's control

Focuses on the power to influence the outcome.

optional

A single word indicating something is not required.

dependent on selection

Highlights the dependency to other choices.

FAQs

How can I use "a matter of choice" in a sentence?

Use "a matter of choice" to indicate that something is determined by personal preference or available options. For example, "Whether to pursue further education is often "a matter of choice" depending on one's career goals."

What are some alternatives to "a matter of choice"?

Alternatives include "a question of preference", "an issue of discretion", or simply saying something is "optional" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to say something is "a matter of choice"?

No, it's not appropriate if there are external constraints or necessities involved. For example, complying with safety regulations is not "a matter of choice", it's a requirement.

What's the difference between "a matter of choice" and "a matter of opinion"?

"A matter of choice" implies the ability to select between options, while "a matter of opinion" refers to a subjective viewpoint or belief. For example, choosing a vacation destination is "a matter of choice", but believing it's the best destination is "a matter of opinion".