at its option

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at its option" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal or formal contexts to indicate that a party has the discretion to make a choice or decision. Example: "The company may terminate the contract at its option if the terms are not met."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

It adds, however, that the court at its option may notice a plain error not assigned or specified.

Cornell University

H&R Block, the biggest American tax preparer, ousted Mr. Ernst in late November as it suffered huge losses on subprime lending at its Option One mortgage unit.

The New York Times

The credit union may, at its option, skip inspection and deliver copies of requested documents directly to the petitioners.

Cornell University

Cabot will pay $168 million in cash and $62 million in stock or cash at its option.

The New York Times

Residential buildings should have a mechanical means of ventilating these halls for Fire Department use at its option.

The New York Times

In case said track shall not be used by undersigned for period of one year, said Southern Pacific Company may, at its option, remove said track.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

SGB advised shareholders to take no action while it looked at its options, including the possibility of third-party deals.

The New York Times

Motorola said earlier this year it is looking at its options including a separation of its mobile devices business, after pressure from Mr. Icahn for such a move.

The New York Times

Motorola said this year that it was looking at its options, including a separation of its mobile devices business, after Mr. Icahn pressured for the move.

The New York Times

TomTom on Wednesday said it was still looking at its options, including a possible renegotiation of its credit facility, to ease the debt burden.

Forbes

Serbia's government looked at its options and gave in.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at its option", ensure that it is clear who or what "it" refers to. Ambiguity can lead to misinterpretations, especially in legal documents. For example, specify "The company, at its option, may..." rather than just "At its option, may..."

Common error

Avoid assuming that "at its option" implies an unlimited or unrestricted right. The scope of the option is often defined by the surrounding context or contractual terms. Always clarify any limitations or conditions associated with the option.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at its option" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. It indicates that an action or decision is subject to the choice or preference of the entity referred to by "its". Ludwig AI confirms its standard grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

33%

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at its option" denotes a right of choice. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and most frequently found in academia and news media, although its formality lends itself well to professional contexts. While common, writers should clarify to whom "its" refers and avoid assuming the option is unlimited. Alternatives such as "at its discretion" or "if it chooses" may suit less formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at its discretion

Replaces "option" with "discretion", highlighting the freedom to judge or choose.

at its choice

Substitutes "option" with the more straightforward "choice".

if it so chooses

Expresses the idea as a conditional statement.

should it elect

A more formal and less common way of saying "if it chooses".

as it sees fit

Indicates the freedom to make a decision based on what is considered suitable or appropriate.

if it desires

Replaces 'option' with a more straightforward expression of wanting to do something.

at its pleasure

Implies the action is done because it is pleasing or agreeable to the subject.

at its will

Emphasizes the power to decide or control something.

at its convenience

Highlights that the action can be performed when it is easiest or most suitable for the subject.

subject to its preference

Highlights that the action can be performed depending of the subject's preference.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "at its option" in simpler terms?

You can use phrases like "at its discretion", "if it chooses", or "as it sees fit" depending on the context.

Is "at its option" suitable for informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "at its option" is more formal. In informal writing, consider alternatives like "if they want to" or "they can choose to".

What's the difference between "at its option" and "mandatory"?

"At its option" means something is voluntary or discretionary, while "mandatory" means it is required or obligatory. They are antonyms.

How do I use "at its option" in a legal context?

In legal documents, "at its option" specifies that a party has the right, but not the obligation, to take a particular action. For example, "The landlord, at its option, may renew the lease."