binary choice

USAGE SUMMARY

"binary choice" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a situation in which someone has only two options to choose from. For example, “I have to make a binary choice between going to the beach or staying home.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Build v buy isn't a binary choice.

The Guardian

Cameron faced a binary choice: believing the emails, or not.

The Guardian

This is a binary choice: a "bit" of information.

The Economist

It's a binary choice, the terms of which may not be entirely of our making.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is that voters face a binary choice between Cameron and Miliband.

The Guardian

As Thornberry told MPs, it's not quite a binary choice either, not yes or no.

The Guardian

American Presidential elections reduce the country's complexity to a binary choice.

The New Yorker

For them it is a binary choice and the rest is detail.

The Guardian

Harman claims governments should not accept a binary choice between a focus on science or arts.

The Guardian

The problem with a referendum is that it's a binary choice.

The Guardian

"In generic terms, I think people think they have a binary choice in life at the moment," says Ryder.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical writing, be aware that “binary choice” can imply a 0 or 1 option, and therefore must be presented correctly.

Common error

Avoid framing multifaceted issues as a "binary choice" when numerous factors are at play. This can lead to misrepresentation and flawed conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "binary choice" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. It describes a situation where only two options are available. This is supported by Ludwig, which indicates its frequent usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "binary choice" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a situation offering only two options. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used across various fields, including news, science, and formal business settings. While it's a useful phrase for simplifying complex situations, it's important to ensure its accuracy; avoid oversimplifying matters with multiple options. Alternatives like "dichotomy" or "either-or situation" can provide similar meanings, but it's crucial to select the one fitting best in your context. Remember, using "binary choice" implies a clear, definitive decision between two possibilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

two options

A simpler, more direct way to refer to having only two choices.

two alternatives

A slightly more formal synonym for "two options".

either-or situation

Highlights the mutually exclusive nature of the two options.

limited choice

Emphasizes the restriction of having only two options available.

yes-no decision

Emphasizes a decision where the only options are affirmation or negation.

dichotomy

A more formal, often academic term for a division into two mutually exclusive categories.

fork in the road

Metaphorical way to refer to a point where one must choose one of two paths.

zero-sum game

Highlights the consequence that one decision rules out the other, with no middle ground.

head-to-head

Referring to comparing two options in direct contrast.

two-way street

Highlights the importance of having only two possible courses or considerations.

FAQs

How can I use "binary choice" in a sentence?

You can use "binary choice" to describe a situation where only two options are available, such as: "The company faced a "binary choice": invest in new technology or cut costs."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "binary choice"?

Some alternatives to "binary choice" include "dichotomy", "either-or situation", or simply "two options", depending on the context.

Is it always accurate to frame a situation as a "binary choice"?

No, framing a situation as a "binary choice" can be misleading if there are more than two viable options or if the issue is more nuanced. Ensure the context genuinely presents only two possibilities.

What is the difference between a "binary choice" and a multiple-choice scenario?

A "binary choice" involves only two options, while a multiple-choice scenario presents three or more options. A "binary choice" is a specific type of limited selection, while a multiple-choice scenario offers a broader array of possibilities.