a predictable choice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a predictable choice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a decision or option that is expected or anticipated based on previous knowledge or patterns. Example: "Choosing the most popular restaurant in town was a predictable choice for our dinner outing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Mr. Duke is a predictable choice.

The New York Times

Still, many New Yorkers are disappointed beyond belief that such a predictable choice is coming to pass.

The New York Times

Though it is perhaps a predictable choice, my favourite of her many novels is The Golden Notebook.

The Guardian - Books

I'm sorry if this is a predictable choice, but Waugh is the most wonderful Tory writer, and this novel is a glorious elegy for the conservative life he could see disappearing after the second world war.

The Guardian - Books

Bath Road, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 3RU (01590 678882; lymingtonseawaterbaths.org.uk) The Serpentine It may be a predictable choice, says Dan, but this swimming area, part of Hyde Park's Serpentine lake, plays host to "a unique and wonderful community of swimmers and is quite unlike any other swimming venue in the capital".

Independent

Even when the artist is a predictable choice, the individual works and exhibition design are unexpected: Lee Friedlander, a MOMA favorite, is represented by a tight grouping of pictures of letters and numbers, hung alongside an old-school slide show of Helen Levitt's color work, mounted for the first time since its début, here, in 1974.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

His eight-year tenure has divided opinion, with concerns raised about fluctuating conducting standards and a frequently predictable choice of repertory, a lack of dynamic, hands-on artistic leadership, and his controversial closeness to Putin's government in Russia.

The Guardian - Music

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Vice

Scott Pelley, a "60 Minutes" star who will take over from Ms. Couric on June 6, is a respectable, predictable choice that hasn't so far raised a stir.

The New York Times

Peekskill would have been a more predictable choice: "Governor Pataki recognized that -- he created a little Lincoln memorial at the train depot where Lincoln stopped and spoke for a few minutes on the way to his inauguration.

The New York Times

If the thumbnail plot sounds like a fairly predictable choice for the masters of grossout, the screenplay's source suggests a slightly different direction.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a predictable choice", consider whether you want to emphasize the lack of originality or the reliability and safety of the option. This will help you choose the most appropriate phrasing and tone for your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a predictable choice" if your intention is not to imply a lack of creativity or innovation. If you simply mean the choice was logical or reasonable, consider using phrases like "a logical selection" or "a sensible decision" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a predictable choice" functions as a noun phrase, where "predictable" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "choice". According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a predictable choice" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that describes an expected or anticipated selection. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and suitable for use in various contexts. While the phrase is most commonly found in news and media sources, it's important to be mindful of its connotation: it can sometimes imply a lack of originality. Depending on your intended meaning, consider using alternatives such as "an expected selection" or "a foreseeable option" for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an expected selection

Emphasizes the anticipation of the selection, suggesting it was likely to occur.

a foreseeable option

Highlights the ability to see the option coming in advance.

an unsurprising decision

Focuses on the lack of surprise associated with the decision.

a conventional pick

Indicates the choice aligns with established norms or customs.

a typical selection

Suggests the choice is common and aligns with usual patterns.

a standard option

Highlights the choice's adherence to established standards or practices.

an obvious choice

Highlights how easily the choice can be identified as the optimal one.

a run-of-the-mill selection

Indicates the choice is commonplace and lacks distinction.

a clichéd option

Emphasizes the overuse and lack of originality of the choice.

a safe bet

Suggests the choice is low-risk and likely to succeed, but not innovative.

FAQs

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

You can use "a predictable choice" to describe a decision or selection that was expected or anticipated. For instance, "Hiring the CEO's son was "a predictable choice", given the family connections."

What are some alternatives to "a predictable choice"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "an expected selection", "a foreseeable option", or "an unsurprising decision" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it negative to call something "a predictable choice"?

The connotation depends on the context. It can imply a lack of creativity or innovation, but it can also suggest reliability and safety. It's important to consider the intended message when using the phrase.

Which is correct, "a predictable choice" or "predictable choice"?

"A predictable choice" is the correct form when you're referring to a specific instance or item. "Predictable choice" (without the article) could be used in a more general or abstract sense, but is less common.