by choice

USAGE SUMMARY

"by choice" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to indicate that somebody has chosen to do something, either freely or after careful consideration. For example, "He quit his job by choice in order to pursue his dream of becoming an artist."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By choice".

The New York Times

"It's all by choice".

The New York Times

but not by choice".

The New York Times

It's not by choice.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet not by choice.

The Economist

Confused by choice?

The Guardian - Travel

And not by choice.

The New York Times

That's not entirely by choice.

The New York Times - Arts

It was not by choice.

The New York Times - Magazine

They do this by choice.

The New York Times

It is brilliant by choice.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by choice" to clearly indicate that a decision or action was made willingly and without external pressure. This emphasizes autonomy and intention.

Common error

Avoid using "by choice" when the context suggests there were no other viable options. This can create a misleading impression of agency and decision-making. For example, avoid saying someone is unemployed "by choice" if they were laid off.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by choice" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier, specifying that an action or state is the result of a voluntary decision. It clarifies the circumstances under which something occurs, emphasizing the element of free will as also confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by choice" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that an action or state is the result of a deliberate and voluntary decision. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. As evidenced by numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, the phrase frequently appears in news and media, emphasizing agency and intentionality. While alternatives like "voluntarily" and "willingly" exist, "by choice" strikes a neutral tone suitable for a wide range of writing styles. A key best practice is to use it accurately, ensuring the context reflects genuine freedom of decision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

voluntarily

Implies acting on one's own free will without external compulsion. It is generally more formal than "by choice".

willingly

Suggests a readiness or eagerness to do something. It emphasizes a positive attitude toward the action.

of one's own volition

A formal and emphatic way of saying "by choice", highlighting the internal motivation behind the action.

deliberately

Indicates that an action was done intentionally and with careful consideration. It focuses on the thoughtfulness behind the decision.

intentionally

Similar to "deliberately", emphasizing that the action was planned and not accidental.

on purpose

A more informal way of saying "intentionally" or "deliberately".

freely

Highlights the absence of constraints or coercion in making the choice.

out of preference

Implies that the choice was made based on what was liked or desired most.

by personal selection

Highlights that the choice was made by someone personally.

through conscious decision

Emphasizes that the choice was made on conscious and based on a decision process.

FAQs

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

You can use "by choice" to indicate a voluntary decision. For example, "She became a vegetarian "by choice"" shows it was her own decision.

What's a more formal way to say "by choice"?

Alternatives like "voluntarily" or "of one's own volition" offer a more formal tone compared to "by choice".

When is it inappropriate to use "by choice"?

It's best to avoid using "by choice" when someone lacks genuine alternatives. For instance, describing someone as homeless "by choice" may be insensitive if they face systemic barriers.

Are there situations where "intentionally" is better than "by choice"?

While both indicate a deliberate act, "by choice" emphasizes freedom of decision, whereas "intentionally" highlights the purposefulness of the action. If the focus is on the purpose rather than the freedom, use "intentionally".