as a third option

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a third option" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when presenting an alternative choice or possibility in a discussion or decision-making context. Example: "We can choose to go with the first proposal, the second one, or as a third option, we could consider a hybrid approach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Remote laboratories have appeared as a third option.

Computers & Education

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

The New York Times

However, if this does not work, it may drill horizontal wells to get at the oil, then resort to fracking in future as a third option.

The Guardian

At the same time, it's easy to understand why, from a political perspective, the movie doesn't offer U.S. control as a third option.

The New Yorker

It has gained in popularity since the 1980s as a third option to the either-or dichotomy (either quantitative or qualitative research) that had previously dominated the social and behavioral sciences.

International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences

As a third option, Mr. Landy could have bought a small memory chip called a SIM, or subscriber identity module, which has phone numbers from other countries attached to them.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

But there is a third option as well, and it's one that's less confrontational.

Huffington Post

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

The New York Times

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

The New York Times - Sports

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

The Guardian

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting a series of choices, use "as a third option" to clearly indicate that it is distinct from the first two and equally viable. This is particularly useful in problem-solving or decision-making contexts.

Common error

Avoid overuse of phrases like "as a first option", "as a second option", and "as a third option" in close proximity. If the sequence is not crucial to understanding, simply use alternatives like "alternatively" or "another possibility".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a third option" functions as an adverbial phrase, introducing an alternative or additional choice, plan, or method. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts, presenting it as a viable selection among others.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a third option" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to introduce a third alternative in a series of choices. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While versatile, avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "alternatively" to prevent redundancy. It's important to maintain a clear and concise writing style. The phrase functions adverbially to expand the possibilities in a decision or plan.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a third alternative

Synonymous, simply replacing "option" with "alternative".

as a further alternative

Highlights the addition of yet another choice among several.

as an additional choice

Similar to "as another possibility" but uses slightly different wording.

as another possibility

Focuses on the aspect of being an additional option without specifying its position in a sequence.

a third possibility is

Presents the third item directly as a possibility.

alternatively

Provides a single-word substitute, emphasizing the offering of a different choice.

the third avenue is

Offers a slightly more formal tone.

by way of a third choice

Emphasizes the method of having a third selection available.

in the third instance

Frames the selection in terms of sequential occurrences.

another route to consider

Focuses on the idea of considering a different path or method.

FAQs

How to use "as a third option" in a sentence?

You can use "as a third option" to introduce an alternative choice or possibility, such as: "We can choose plan A, plan B, or "as a third option", we could develop a new plan altogether."

What can I say instead of "as a third option"?

Alternatives include "alternatively", "as another possibility", or "as a further alternative" depending on the context.

Is it necessary to always specify "as a first option" and "as a second option" before using "as a third option"?

No, it's not always necessary. You can use "as a third option" even if the first two options haven't been explicitly stated, especially if they are already implied or understood in the context.

What's the difference between "as a third option" and "as a third alternative"?

The phrases "as a third option" and "as a third alternative" are largely interchangeable. Both are used to present a third choice. The choice of wording depends on stylistic preference.