as a second choice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a second choice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a preference that is not the first option but is still acceptable. Example: "I initially wanted to go to the beach, but as a second choice, I decided to visit the museum instead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

"I'd put acting as a second choice now.

The Guardian

Maybe scratch 'n' sniff, as a second choice.

The New York Times

As a second choice, the panel recommended several drugs made by Pfizer's competitors.

The New York Times

A year ago many who backed Mr Sharif would have picked Mr Khan as a second choice, but no longer.

The Economist

For advocates of EBM, an observational study is what you are relegated to as a second choice when you are unable to do an experimental study.

Seminars in Diagnostic Pathology

He came to the United States in 1920 as a second choice -- he couldn't get into India -- but found a ready audience here for his energy and vision.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Few Republican voters consider any of the other candidates as even a second choice.

Los Angeles Times

These drugs are never used as a first choice preference.

The Guardian

Of Yale's 80 undergraduate majors, 73 were selected as a first choice by incoming students.

Yale University

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a second choice" to clearly indicate an alternative option when the preferred one is not available or suitable. This ensures clarity and helps manage expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "as a second choice" when there isn't a clearly defined or understood first choice. This can create confusion and make the statement illogical. Always establish the primary preference before introducing a secondary option.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a second choice" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb by indicating an alternative or less preferred option. Ludwig examples demonstrate its role in expressing contingency or preference hierarchies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

34%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a second choice" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to indicate an alternative option, as validated by Ludwig. It appears most frequently in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. While it clearly denotes a preference hierarchy, it doesn't necessarily carry a negative connotation, serving instead to provide clarity and manage expectations. Ludwig AI examples show how the phrase is versatile and can be used across various registers, making it a valuable tool in effective communication. When deploying "as a second choice", make sure there is a clearly first defined option to avoid confusing the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as an alternative option

Focuses on the option being an alternative, without explicitly stating it's a second preference.

as a backup plan

Highlights the role of the choice as a contingency measure.

as a substitute

Emphasizes replacement rather than preference.

as a fallback

Implies relying on something when the primary option is unavailable.

as a secondary option

Uses a more formal tone to indicate a less preferred choice.

if all else fails

Indicates a last-resort scenario.

as a last resort

Highlights the option is only considered when all others are exhausted.

in the absence of other options

Emphasizes the lack of alternatives.

alternatively

A single-word adverb offering a general alternative.

for want of anything better

Indicates the choice is made due to a lack of superior alternatives.

FAQs

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

You can use "as a second choice" to indicate an alternative when the preferred option isn't possible. For example, "If the primary location is unavailable, we'll use the alternate venue "as a second choice"."

What phrases are similar to "as a second choice"?

Similar phrases include "as an alternative option", "as a backup plan", or "as a substitute". These all suggest an option that's used when the first preference isn't viable.

Is it always negative to be described "as a second choice"?

Not necessarily. While it indicates not being the top preference, it also implies being a viable and acceptable alternative. Context is crucial; it can simply mean being a practical or realistic option.

When is it inappropriate to use "as a second choice"?

It's best to avoid using "as a second choice" when the context requires emphasizing equal options or when the alternative is presented as equally desirable. In such cases, phrases like "alternatively" or "as another option" may be more appropriate.