as a first choice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a first choice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a preferred option or selection among alternatives. Example: "When considering vacation destinations, Paris is my first choice for its culture and cuisine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

These drugs are never used as a first choice preference.

The Guardian

Last season Smalling established himself as a first choice under Van Gaal and captained the side.

The Guardian - Sport

Use a tape recorder, yes, but maybe not as a first choice — more like a relief pitcher.

The New Yorker

· Don't use benzodiazepines or other sedative hypnotics in older adults as a first choice for insomnia, agitation or delirium.

The New York Times

He added that "there are many examples of this in history," apparently forgetting that Russian writers who live abroad hardly do so as a first choice.

The New York Times

But Kraepelin did not adopt it as a first choice.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Today should afford another chance as a first-choice centre-back alongside Collins.

Independent

Which is not to say that Ford feels safe and secure as a first-choice England player.

Independent

There is a case that Welbeck simply needs the extended run as a first-choice centre-forward that he only ever really had on loan at Sunderland.

The Guardian - Sport

Soy formula can be recommended as a first-choice alternative for infants ≥6 months of age with cow's milk allergy.

The Journal of Pediatrics

This technique in indicated as a first-choice treatment option for severe cases or those having had surgery but with significant residual deformities present.

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a first choice" to clearly indicate a preferred option, especially when presenting a series of alternatives. This helps prioritize information for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "as a first choice" when there are very few or no alternatives. It's redundant to state a preference if there is no genuine choice to be made.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a first choice" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate preference or priority. Ludwig examples show it describing treatments, models, and even personal selections.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

56%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a first choice" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate a preference or priority among alternatives. Ludwig's AI confirms its usability across a range of contexts. It is frequently found in scientific and news media sources, indicating its broad applicability. While there are numerous related phrases, such as "preferably" and "ideally", the best practice is to ensure the context warrants a genuine choice. Overuse in limited-option scenarios should be avoided. Considering its frequency and the AI's validation, "as a first choice" remains a reliable option for expressing preference.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by preference

Highlights a preference or a choice that is made by preference. Very similar to the original phrase.

as the preferred option

Focuses on the selection aspect, highlighting that something is favored over other options.

as the primary selection

Highlights the importance of the item or action, marking it as the main choice.

preferably

Single-word adverb emphasizing preference. It's shorter and more direct than the original phrase.

as a priority

Indicates that something should be given precedence. This shifts the focus from selection to importance.

ideally

Indicates a perfect or most suitable situation; it implies a stronger desire than the original phrase.

primarily

Adverb focusing on the main or most important aspect, similar to making a first choice.

as the initial step

Suggests the commencement of action and the first stage of consideration.

to begin with

Highlights the initiation aspect, suggesting the first action or step to be taken.

initially

Focuses on what's done at the start, differing slightly from the idea of a preferred choice.

FAQs

How can I use "as a first choice" in a sentence?

Use "as a first choice" to express a preference among several options. For example, "Endoscopic laser surgery should be proposed "as a first choice" treatment for early glottic carcinoma".

What are some alternatives to "as a first choice"?

You can use alternatives like "preferably", "ideally", or "as the preferred option" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "as a first choice" or "as the first choice"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "as a first choice" is more common when discussing general preferences or recommendations, while "as the first choice" implies a specific, definitive selection.

What's the difference between "as a first choice" and "as a primary option"?

"As a first choice" and "as a primary option" are similar, but "as a first choice" suggests a more immediate or instinctive preference, while "as a primary option" implies a more considered or strategic selection.