compulsory choice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'compulsory choice' is correct and usable in written English.It can be used to describe a decision or situation which is required by law or circumstance but does not offer a variety of options.
For example, "Carbon offsets are a compulsory choice for companies wishing to remain compliant with EU regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It is compulsory choice between the right to decline arbitration and the right to have the aid of equity in a federal court.

Cornell University

His assignment to write about "Avatar" was not an attempt to advance a particular agenda, he said, but rather "a compulsory choice" given the anticipation surrounding the film.

The New York Times

The most obvious case in which suicide can be a rational (though not morally compulsory) choice is when a person suffers a painful, debilitating and incurable illness.

The New York Times - Magazine

[ 5] When confronted with a compulsory choice, all doctors, care teams and families then face the double difficulty of responsibility and doubt.

BMC Palliative Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"I think in the longer term we are potentially looking at reducing at least a proportion of the licence fee that is compulsory and offering choice … When I say it's unsustainable I am talking about over 20-50 years".

Independent

Firstly, we determined how many students were accessing the material and participating in the non-compulsory pre-lecture choice activities.

F1000Research

What has previously been observed as regards urban dynamics, the speed of change, and the increased complexity of the city and territory, challenges planning in itself, according to some (interest groups and scholars), or at least the current form of planning; what is criticised is the compulsory nature of the choice of plan.

City, Territory and Architecture

Dessert is part of Viennese culture, too, and Ferlesch's Linzertorte is compulsory, though all the choices — such as the crêpes gilded with apricot jam or the Milchrahmstrudel of farmer cheese in an artery-blocking vanilla sauce — compliment the Mozart Kaffee, a caffeine-and-crushed-almond number that does a lot to explain the maestro's hyperactivity.

The New Yorker

The record of clinical practice is a standard form used to report assessment findings and treatment choices to compulsory third party insurers in Australia.

BMC Health Services Research

It was clarified that the participation of their child, even after selection, was not compulsory and the parents had the choice to refuse enrollment.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

The student has said she may continue to change behind a curtain – which is the current arrangement – but argued that it should be her choice and not compulsory.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "compulsory choice" when you want to convey that a selection is required, but the individual still has options, however limited.

Common error

Avoid using "compulsory choice" interchangeably with 'forced choice'. While both involve limited options, "compulsory choice" implies a requirement to choose, whereas 'forced choice' often suggests a manipulative or coercive selection process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compulsory choice" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "compulsory" modifies the noun "choice". It describes a situation where selecting an option is required, but some options are available. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "compulsory choice" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a required selection from a limited set of options. While less frequent in general usage, it appears across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. According to Ludwig AI, the expression is correct and usable in different types of writing. When using the phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects a situation where a choice is mandated, but some level of autonomy still exists. Be mindful of the distinction between "compulsory choice" and 'forced choice', as the latter implies coercion. Alternatives like "mandatory option" or "required selection" can be considered depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mandatory option

Emphasizes the required nature while still indicating a selection.

required selection

Highlights the necessity of making a choice.

obligatory decision

Focuses on the duty to decide.

forced election

Suggests a lack of genuine freedom in the selection process.

necessary election

Indicates that the choice is essential.

prescribed choice

Emphasizes that the options are predetermined.

stipulated selection

Highlights that the selection is a condition or requirement.

compelled decision

Underscores the lack of volition in the decision-making.

dictated option

Suggests external control over the available choices.

unavoidable selection

Highlights the inescapable nature of the choice.

FAQs

How can "compulsory choice" be used in a sentence?

You might say, "In some educational systems, choosing a vocational track after a certain age is a "compulsory choice"".

What is an alternative to "compulsory choice"?

Alternatives include phrases like "mandatory option" or "required selection", depending on the context.

Is "compulsory choice" the same as "forced choice"?

No, "compulsory choice" implies a required decision with limited options, while "forced choice" suggests coercion or manipulation in the selection process. The subtle difference is that "compulsory choice" does not necessarily imply the coercion of "forced choice".

In what situations is "compulsory choice" typically used?

It's often used in legal, medical, or educational contexts where a decision is mandated but some level of choice still exists within defined parameters.