an impossible choice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an impossible choice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where all available options are undesirable or difficult to choose between. Example: "When faced with the decision to move away for a job or stay close to family, she felt it was an impossible choice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It's an impossible choice.

The New Yorker

Like most Catalans, he finds that an impossible choice.

The Guardian

Mr. Fisher explained that his client had been subjected to an impossible choice.

The New York Times

In the current system, artists and low-income tenants working and living in dangerous conditions often have an impossible choice.

The Guardian

But at present the islanders are faced with an impossible choice: a tiny sum of money to leave everything behind, or else stay without adequate shelter.

The Economist

Only they weren't birds, they were people, forced out by the flames, forced to make an impossible choice under impossible circumstances.

The New York Times

Yet the Israelis will be tempted to push for concessions from an inexperienced negotiator.Repression or releaseAll this leaves Mr Assad with an impossible choice.

The Economist

The track has since been dissected by fans and critics as his final outpouring of turmoil after facing an impossible choice between his wife and his mistress.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The issues are murkier — morality, fair play — and leave the writers with an almost impossible choice.

The New York Times - Sports

It was an absolutely impossible choice.

Huffington Post

Investing that pot of college money, particularly for a child who is a few years from enrollment, involves a nearly impossible choice.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "an impossible choice", ensure that the context clearly demonstrates the lack of viable or desirable options. This strengthens the impact and credibility of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "an impossible choice" when the situation involves a difficult decision but still presents genuinely acceptable alternatives. Overstating the situation weakens your argument and dilutes the phrase's meaning. A difficult decision is not always an impossible choice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an impossible choice" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a situation where all available options are deeply problematic or undesirable, creating a sense of entrapment. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an impossible choice" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that describes a situation with only undesirable options. Ludwig confirms this assessment. The phrase is versatile, appearing in various contexts, notably in news and media, but also in wikis, as confirmed by the provided examples. When employing this phrase, ensure the context accurately reflects the lack of genuinely viable options. Alternative phrases such as "a no-win situation" or "a difficult dilemma" can be used to convey similar meanings, depending on the specific nuance you wish to emphasize. Avoid using the phrase when acceptable alternatives exist, as this weakens the impact of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a Hobson's choice

This implies only one option is genuinely offered, making the decision illusory.

a no-win situation

Focuses on the inevitable negative outcome, regardless of the decision.

a lose-lose scenario

Highlights that all potential outcomes will result in loss or disadvantage.

a difficult dilemma

Emphasizes the challenging nature of the decision-making process.

a quandary

Indicates a state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do.

a predicament

Implies a difficult, unpleasant, or dangerous situation.

a catch-22

Describes a paradoxical situation where someone is trapped by contradictory rules.

a double bind

Similar to a catch-22, involving conflicting demands.

a tough call

Highlights the difficulty in making a decision.

a painful decision

Focuses on the emotional toll of making the choice.

FAQs

How can I use "an impossible choice" in a sentence?

You can use "an impossible choice" to describe a situation where all options are undesirable or present significant negative consequences. For example, "The refugees were faced with "an impossible choice": stay in their war-torn country or risk a dangerous journey to seek asylum."

What are some alternatives to saying "an impossible choice"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a difficult dilemma", "a no-win situation", or "a lose-lose scenario" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "a impossible choice" instead of "an impossible choice"?

No, it is grammatically incorrect. The indefinite article "an" should be used before words that begin with a vowel sound. "Impossible" begins with a vowel sound, so the correct usage is ""an impossible choice"".

What's the difference between "an impossible choice" and "a difficult choice"?

"An impossible choice" implies that all options are unacceptable or have severe negative consequences, making the decision feel impossible. "A difficult choice" simply means the decision is hard to make, but acceptable options may still exist.