as an option

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as an option" is correct and widely used in written English.
It is used when you are referring to something that provides an alternative choice. For example: "Students can choose to take music as an elective, or they can take Spanish as an option."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's there as an option".

The New York Times

I applaud it as an option, though.

The New York Times - Sports

As an option, art can go either way.

The New York Times - Arts

I don't consider leaving this career as an option.

The Guardian - Sport

The determinedly running idea strikes you as an option, though.

The Guardian - Sport

The "Manual" does not propose this as an option.

The New Yorker

"They don't see it as an option," Ms. Little said.

The New York Times

A £200 levy has been mentioned as an option.

The Guardian

Even Eurosceptic MPs didn't mention it as an option.

The Guardian

Under settings, you'll find "filters" as an option.

The Guardian - Money

The Frappuccino does not exist as an option.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as an option" to introduce possibilities, not requirements. It signals flexibility and choice.

Common error

Avoid using "as an option" when describing something that is compulsory or a standard procedure. It suggests a choice where none exists, which can be misleading. For example, don't say "Completing this form is available "as an option"" if it's actually required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as an option" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating that something is available as a choice or possibility. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

21%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as an option" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that introduces something as a possible choice. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is widely accepted and understood. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, it maintains a neutral register appropriate for diverse communication scenarios. When using "as an option", clarify the available alternatives and avoid misapplication to mandatory actions. Alternatives like "as a possibility" or "as an alternative" can provide nuanced expressions of choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a possibility

Replaces "option" with "possibility", focusing on the chance of something happening or being considered.

as a choice

Substitutes "option" with "choice", highlighting the act of selecting between alternatives.

as an alternative

Emphasizes that something is being presented as another way to achieve a similar result.

as one possibility

More formal and emphasizes that this is just one of several options.

as a fallback

Suggests something is available if other options are not viable.

as a potential solution

Focuses on the problem-solving aspect of considering something as a viable option.

as a backup plan

Highlights the contingency aspect, indicating a plan B.

on an optional basis

Stresses that something is not required but available if wanted.

if desired

Highlights the voluntary nature of the option.

at one's discretion

Emphasizes that the choice is left to someone's judgment or preference.

FAQs

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

Use "as an option" to indicate that something is a possible choice among others. For example, "You can take the bus, or you can rent a car "as an option"".

What are some alternatives to "as an option"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "as a possibility", "as a choice", or "as an alternative".

Is it correct to say "as options" instead of "as an option"?

No, "as options" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "as an option", which refers to a single, specific choice out of several possibilities.

What's the difference between "as an option" and "as a requirement"?

"As an option" implies a choice that is not mandatory, while "as a requirement" indicates something that must be done or fulfilled. For example, attending the meeting is "as an option", while submitting the report is "as a requirement".