at your option

USAGE SUMMARY

"at your option" is a correct usage of English, and it is often used in both spoken and written English.
For example, you could say: "We are providing free shipping at your option."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

// of the License, or (at your option) any later version.

Princeton University

It can, at your option, place calls over AT&T's 3G data network, where it's available.

The New York Times - Tech

// either version 3 of the License, or (at your option) any later version.

University of California, Berkeley

At your option, the frame either crops such pictures or adds black letterbox bands; neither is ideal.

The New York Times - Tech

You may retain this limit for individual file name components, or may extend it, at your option.

Stanford University

And only TiVo can, at your option, auto-record shows that it thinks you'll like, based on what you've recorded before.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Before you start look at your options and decide which way you want to go.

The Guardian

"Sometimes you have to take a day like this to really break it down and look at your options".

The New York Times - Sports

In fact, January is the perfect time to start looking at your options for the year ahead.

Independent

If that is the case, let's look at your options if you had done so in 2006.

The New York Times

You may want to check in with a career coach to help you look at your options and see which is the best fit for you.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at your option", ensure the context clearly indicates what the option refers to. This prevents ambiguity and makes your writing more precise.

Common error

Avoid using "at your option" without clearly defining what choices are available. Readers need to understand exactly what they have the option to decide.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at your option" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that an action or decision is subject to someone's choice. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it clarifies the availability of a choice in various scenarios.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

32%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at your option" is a versatile phrase that clearly communicates the availability of a choice. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used in contexts ranging from formal agreements to everyday conversations. Its frequency is classified as common with presence in news media and academic sources. When using this phrase, clarity is key: make sure the available options are well-defined to avoid ambiguity. Remember, related phrases like "at your discretion" or "as you wish" can provide stylistic alternatives while conveying the same core meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

At your discretion

Shorter form emphasizing personal judgment.

Optional for you

Directly states the optional nature of something.

If you prefer

Emphasizes personal preference as the determining factor.

As you wish

Implies compliance with someone's desire or choice.

According to your preference

Highlights that the action is guided by one's taste or liking.

If you so choose

Highlights the act of choosing or deciding.

By your own choice

Underscores the personal nature of the decision.

Subject to your discretion

Focuses on the power to make decisions based on personal judgment.

If you desire

Similar to "as you wish" but with a stronger emphasis on personal desire.

As you see fit

Suggests making a decision based on suitability or appropriateness.

FAQs

What does "at your option" mean?

The phrase "at your option" means that something is optional or subject to your choice or preference. It indicates that you have the freedom to decide whether or not to do something.

How can I use "at your option" in a sentence?

You can use "at your option" to indicate that someone has a choice. For example: "You can receive a full refund, or a store credit "at your option"".

What are some alternatives to "at your option"?

Some alternatives to "at your option" include "at your discretion", "if you prefer", or "as you wish", all of which convey a similar sense of choice or preference.

Is it correct to say "at your options"?

No, the correct phrase is "at your option". "Option" is used in the singular to refer to the choice available to you. Saying "at your options" is grammatically incorrect.