choice of words

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'choice of words' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the words that someone has chosen to express an idea or opinion. For example, "I appreciate your thoughtful choice of words."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An interesting choice of words.

The Economist

Interesting choice of words.

The New York Times - Sports

What a poor choice of words.

The New York Times

Despite Mr. Guerlain's choice of words.

The New York Times

He defended his choice of words.

The New York Times - Sports

Wrong choice of words, but right idea.

The New York Times

"It was a poor choice of words".

The New York Times

A doctor's choice of words matters.

The New York Times

Honestly, stupid choice of words by me.

University of California, Berkeley

The official's choice of words resonates still.

The New Yorker

Mrs. Clinton's choice of words was noteworthy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when making your "choice of words". Formal settings may require more precise and sophisticated language, while informal situations allow for more casual expression.

Common error

Avoid using overly formal or technical language in casual conversations. A mismatch between the tone and context can make your "choice of words" seem unnatural or even pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "choice of words" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig provides examples of its use in describing the selection of language to convey specific meanings, intentions, or effects. It's often used when evaluating the appropriateness or impact of someone's language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

18%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "choice of words" is a versatile and frequently used expression that refers to the selection of language to convey a specific meaning or intention. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and appears most often in News & Media, Academic, and Wiki contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to consider your audience and the specific context to ensure that your language is both appropriate and effective. While alternatives such as "diction" or "wording" exist, "choice of words" offers a broader scope, encompassing the entire linguistic selection process. Be mindful of formality to avoid sounding unnatural or pretentious.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diction

Emphasizes the vocabulary and word choice used in writing or speaking.

wording

Refers to the specific words used in a particular context.

word selection

Focuses on the act of choosing specific words.

use of language

Highlights the application of language in communication.

language selection

Emphasizes the overall choice of language used.

phrasing

Highlights the manner in which something is expressed in words.

manner of speaking

Indicates the style or way someone expresses themselves.

expression

Focuses on how thoughts or feelings are conveyed through language.

style of writing

Refers to the characteristic way someone writes.

terminology

Refers to the specific terms used in a particular field or context.

FAQs

How can I improve my "choice of words" in writing?

To enhance your "choice of words", read widely to expand your vocabulary, pay attention to how skilled writers use language, and practice writing regularly to refine your expression.

What's the difference between "choice of words" and "wording"?

"Choice of words" refers to the overall selection of language, while "wording" focuses on the specific words used in a particular instance or text.

When is it important to be careful about my "choice of words"?

It's crucial to be mindful of your "choice of words" in sensitive situations, such as giving feedback, discussing controversial topics, or communicating across cultures, to avoid misunderstandings or causing offense.

What are some alternatives to "choice of words"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "diction", "phrasing", or "use of language" to express the same idea.