an unavoidable choice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unavoidable choice" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a decision that must be made, often due to circumstances that leave no other options. Example: "Given the circumstances, we found ourselves facing an unavoidable choice between safety and progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The policy was not an unavoidable choice, a practical technocratic decision.

Independent

France's defeat by German troops in 1940 and the resultant division of the country were experienced as a national humiliation, and all French citizens were confronted with an unavoidable choice.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He said he opposed the war all along, but less than a month before it began he said that if the U.N. wouldn't enforce its own mandates, then, quote, unilateralism is regrettable but an unavoidable choice".

The New York Times

By July, Cameron had the bit between his teeth and announced that by the end of 2014 ISPs would present all internet users with an "unavoidable choice" on whether to use filters.

The Guardian - Tech

With the Clinton administration unwilling to fight for a stronger nominee, even after the U.N. Secretary General, Kofi Annan, boldly proposed bringing back Mr. Ekeus, Mr. Blix may be an unavoidable choice.

The New York Times

As a consequence, Virgin Media estimates that since the launch of Web Safe in February 2014, only about 35% of new customers had been presented with an unavoidable choice about implementing the filtering service".

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

If the U.N. in the end chooses not to enforce its own resolutions, then the U.S. should give Saddam 30 to 60 days to disarm, and if he doesn't, unilateral action is a regrettable, but unavoidable, choice.

Huffington Post

Green campaigners say that the hard but unavoidable choice is to leave the fossil fuels in the ground.

The Guardian

For a native who wants to live in Manhattan, with its insanely expensive housing, taking over the family apartment can be the unavoidable choice.

The New York Times

The next target for the ISPs is to offer the same "unavoidable choice" to existing customers by the end of 2014, to ensure that every account holder of a British internet connection has specifically declined the offer of censored internet.

The Guardian - Tech

"However, as the Foreign Affairs Committee report notes, it is for those advocating independence to set out a clear and well evidenced case to people in Scotland about what the implications of leaving the UK would mean for them, including some of the unavoidable choices that will have to be made".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "an unavoidable choice" with specific, concrete examples to illustrate the constraints or pressures leading to the decision. This provides clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid presenting debatable options as "an unavoidable choice". Ensure the decision is truly the only viable path, rather than a preferred one disguised as such.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unavoidable choice" functions as a noun phrase, where "unavoidable" modifies "choice". According to Ludwig AI, the expression is perfectly grammatical and is used to describe situations where there are limited options.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an unavoidable choice" is a grammatical and frequently used phrase that describes a situation where there is no other option or viable alternative. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and usability. Predominantly found in news, media and scientific contexts, this phrase serves to emphasize constraint and inevitability. When employing this phrase, it is crucial to ensure the context fully justifies the decision's unavoidable nature. The phrase finds effective alternatives in expressions like "a necessary decision" or "the only recourse", each differing subtly in their emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a necessary decision

Focuses on the requirement rather than the lack of alternatives.

an inescapable option

Highlights the impossibility of avoiding the choice.

a mandatory selection

Emphasizes obligation or enforcement.

a foregone conclusion

Suggests the outcome is already determined, making the choice almost irrelevant.

the only recourse

Indicates that all other options have been exhausted.

the sole alternative

Highlights the absence of other options.

a forced decision

Emphasizes the lack of free will in making the choice.

a Hobson's choice

Describes a situation where there is only one option offered, or none at all.

a fait accompli

Indicates that the decision has already been made and cannot be reversed.

no other way

Simply emphasizes the lack of alternatives.

FAQs

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

You can use "an unavoidable choice" to describe a decision that must be made because of circumstances that leave no other options. For example: "Given the economic downturn, the company faced "an unavoidable choice" between layoffs and bankruptcy."

What are some alternatives to "an unavoidable choice"?

Alternatives include "a necessary decision", "an inescapable option", or "the only recourse". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "an unavoidable choice"?

While all choices inherently involve selection, "an unavoidable choice" emphasizes the lack of viable alternatives, highlighting the constrained nature of the decision. It's not always redundant, but consider whether the "unavoidable" aspect is crucial to the message.

What is the difference between "an unavoidable choice" and "a difficult decision"?

"An unavoidable choice" focuses on the lack of alternatives, whereas "a difficult decision" emphasizes the emotional or intellectual challenge of selecting among multiple options. A decision can be difficult even if it's not unavoidable, and vice versa.