but one choice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but one choice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that there is only a single option available in a given context. Example: "In this situation, there is but one choice: to move forward with the plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

The region in northeastern Afghanistan held by the Northern Alliance has but one choice: rely on smugglers to take their donkeys across the front lines, load them up and sneak back.

The New York Times

If we don't like what the government is imposing on us, there is but one choice – don't fly.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We have but one choice, and that man is ready," Pence said.

The New Yorker

The Italian tactician, Torben Grael, had but one choice: bail for the spectator fleet in a frantic attempt to evade the Kiwis' shadow.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr Pence praised Mr Trump's record as a businessman and said the country had "but one choice" in November.

BBC

We have but one choice: to defeat it".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

They are told they have "choice," but the one choice denied them is their neighborhood school.

Huffington Post

But there is one choice I will never make – and that's to sacrifice quality.

The Guardian

So I love your comment: "There are no 7 or 8 simple steps to unbind our hearts, but here is one choice we do have... "...

Huffington Post

A three-way spilt divides opinion on this but one obvious choice stands out among the usual deluge of emails: Trevor Sinclair's oh-so acrobatic effort for QPR against Barnsley in the FA Cup fourth round at Loftus Road on January 25 , 1997

The Guardian - Sport

Having bookcases made to order is one choice, but there are a number of bookcases and room dividers on the market that might work just as well.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but one choice" to create a sense of inevitability or limited options in your writing. This can add emphasis and direct the reader's attention to the singular solution or decision.

Common error

Avoid using "but one choice" in situations where multiple options are genuinely available. Overusing it can make your writing sound contrived or melodramatic. Reserve it for situations where the lack of alternatives is a key point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but one choice" functions as a determiner phrase specifying that there is only a single option available. This phrasing is often used to limit the scope of possibilities and highlight the exclusivity of a particular course of action. Ludwig AI indicates this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but one choice" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to emphasize that only one option exists. As pointed out by Ludwig AI, it is frequently encountered in news articles, formal business documents, and scientific publications. While effective for creating a sense of inevitability, it is important to avoid overusing it in simplistic scenarios where multiple options exist. Common alternatives to "but one choice" include "only one option", "single choice" and other variations. Using "but one choice" can add a touch of formality or literary flair to your writing, but it should be employed judiciously for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only one option

Replaces "but" with "only", simplifying the phrase while retaining the core meaning.

only a single choice

Emphasizes the singularity of the choice using "single" instead of "one".

just one alternative

Uses "just" for emphasis and "alternative" instead of "choice", slightly altering the tone.

sole possibility

Replaces "choice" with "possibility" to highlight the uniqueness of the option.

only available option

Highlights the lack of other options by using the word "available".

no other choice

Shifts the focus to the absence of alternatives, reinforcing the singular nature of the decision.

the only route

Uses a metaphor, replacing "choice" with "route" to imply a path or course of action.

one and only choice

Adds emphasis by stating "one and only".

single course of action

More formal and uses "course of action" instead of "choice".

the only viable solution

Focuses on problem-solving, implying the "choice" is the only practical answer.

FAQs

How can I use "but one choice" in a sentence?

You can use "but one choice" to emphasize there's only one option. For example: "Given the circumstances, there is "only one option" left."

What's a more common way to say "but one choice"?

A more common and simpler way to express the same idea is to use the phrase "only one choice".

Is "but one choice" formal or informal?

"But one choice" leans towards a slightly more formal or literary tone, though it's suitable for both "formal writing" and some news contexts.

What feeling does "but one choice" convey?

The phrase often conveys a sense of limited options, necessity, or inevitability. It emphasizes the lack of alternatives and underscores the importance of the "sole possibility".