as a first option

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a first option" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when presenting a primary choice or preference among several alternatives. Example: "When considering travel destinations, I would suggest Paris as a first option for its rich culture and history."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

As a first option, Dynegy could have adjourned the meeting.

The New York Times

His review found that it was used as a first option on some occasions.

The Guardian

The ICC encourages countries, she stressed, to try cases in their own courts as a first option.

The Guardian

Paul, said she saw many homeowners who looked at foreclosure as a first option, preferable to dealing with their lender.

The New York Times

Dr. van Osch and several other experts said they had used the procedure as a first option before surgery for reasons beyond its early results.

The New York Times - Sports

"Leading business organizations and communities can create value by working in partnership, not necessarily by using the courts as a first option," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Remote laboratories have appeared as a third option.

Computers & Education

Joe Johnson struggled in his new role as a second option.

The New York Times - Sports

Or, as a third option, they can affirmatively approve the actions, as Mrs. Whitman did.

The New York Times

However, SVR can still be considered as a second option for prediction of petrophysical properties due to its reliable efficiency.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

The Lib Dems wanted AV plus, a more proportional system added as a second option to a referendum, but Labour feared its own side would sink it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting options, clearly signal that the described choice is the preferred one by using "as a first option". This sets expectations and guides decision-making effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "as a first option" when the described action is the only viable course of action. The phrase implies a choice between multiple possibilities, so using it in a context with no alternative options misleads your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a first option" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by indicating the preferred or initial method or choice. It serves to highlight a prioritized approach among other alternatives, as supported by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

48%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a first option" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a preferred or initial course of action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various domains, including news, science, and business. When using this phrase, ensure that there are indeed other options available and that you intend to highlight the described action as a prioritized choice. Alternatives such as "as a primary alternative" or "as an initial step" can provide similar meaning with slightly different emphasis. Remember, clarity in communication is key to effective writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a primary alternative

Highlights the preference for this option over others.

as the method of choice

Emphasizes that this specific method is preferred among others.

as a leading choice

Indicates that the option is considered the most prominent.

as a favored solution

Suggests the option is viewed positively and preferred.

as an initial step

Highlights the action as the beginning of a process.

as a starting point

Focuses on the commencement of a series of actions.

as the default approach

Indicates this is the standard or expected action.

as a preliminary measure

Emphasizes the introductory nature of the action.

as a go-to strategy

Implies the option is frequently used and reliable.

as the front-line defense

Highlights the option's role in initially addressing a problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "as a first option" to suggest a preferred course of action or a primary choice among several alternatives. For example, "Consider mediation "as a first option" before pursuing legal action."

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

Similar phrases include "as a primary alternative", "as an initial step", or "as the default approach", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "as a first option"?

It's suitable when you want to indicate a recommended or preferred action from a set of possible choices. This helps prioritize the options and guides the reader or listener toward a particular approach.

Is "as a first option" interchangeable with "as the only option"?

No, they have different meanings. "As a first option" implies there are other possibilities, while "as the only option" means there is no alternative. Using them interchangeably would be incorrect.