as first choice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'as first choice' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize the preference of an object or action, such as in the example sentence: "I chose the red dress as first choice because of its vibrant color."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

These new agents are now accepted as first choice for second-line treatment of metastatic disease.

Seminars in Oncology

Canada and Australia won the popularity contest, selected as first choice by several other countries.

The New York Times

The decision to pursue Garde as first choice has received a mixed reaction.

The Guardian - Sport

She and her family have put their local secondary as first choice.

The Guardian

MacDonald said: "It may have an influence but it is the media who have put me up as first choice.

Independent

Since the data of pemetrexed in combination with cisplatin were published, several oncologists chose this schedule as first choice in non squamous NSCLC.

Lung Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Indeed, with Speroni injured, it was the Englishman who began the campaign as first-choice.

The Guardian - Sport

But Bairstow will also challenge Jos Buttler as first-choice wicketkeeper.

Independent

Courses in manufacturing, production and particularly international affairs have replaced investment banking as first-choice signups, they report.

The New York Times

Moeen as first-choice spinner was a short-term solution that has gone on for two and a half years.

The Guardian - Sport

Oxycodone and morphine are recommended as first-choice opioids for moderate/severe cancer pain, but evidence about their relative tolerability has significant methodological limitations.

Journal of Pain and Symptom Management

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as first choice", ensure the context clearly establishes a comparison or a selection process. It's most effective when indicating a deliberate preference over other options.

Common error

Avoid using "as first choice" when a simpler word like "preferred" or "best" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound overly formal or verbose in casual contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as first choice" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate a preference or priority. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

58%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as first choice" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate a strong preference or recommendation. As Ludwig AI states, it's appropriate in various contexts, especially within scientific, news, and formal communications. While versatile, remember that simpler alternatives like "preferred" might be more suitable in casual settings. The prevalence of "as first choice" across diverse, authoritative sources underscores its reliability and validity in formal English writing. Considering alternatives and common pitfalls can help writers use "as first choice" accurately and effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the top choice

Indicates something is the one selected from the top of the list.

the preferred option

Identifies something as the option that is liked more than others.

the primary option

Emphasizes that something is the main one, the most important to choose.

as a preference

More explicitly states the act of choosing something due to liking it more.

by preference

Highlights choosing something more as a preferred alternative.

the favored alternative

Signifies that something is the one that is liked or approved of more.

preferably

This single word conveys a sense of preference, simplifying the original phrase.

ideally

Suggests a perfect or most suitable option, similar to a first choice scenario.

as a priority

Indicates that something has high precedence and should be dealt with before other things.

first in line

Implies a priority, placing something at the beginning of a queue of options.

FAQs

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

Use "as first choice" to show a preference, such as, "For pain relief, doctors often recommend acetaminophen "as first choice" before considering stronger medications."

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "preferably", "ideally", or "the top choice".

Is it always necessary to explicitly state "as first choice" when expressing a preference?

No, often the preference can be implied through context. For instance, instead of saying "I selected the red dress as first choice", you could simply say "I preferred the red dress".

What is the difference between "as first choice" and "as a last resort"?

"As first choice" indicates the most preferred option, while "as a last resort" means something is only considered when all other options have failed. They represent opposite ends of a spectrum of preference.