definitive choice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "definitive choice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a final or conclusive decision made after careful consideration. Example: "After weighing all the options, I believe that this is the definitive choice for our project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

A preliminary glance at both gives little basis for a definitive choice of one over the other.

The New York Times - Books

There is a strong case for Germany to make a definitive choice whether to agree to eurobonds or to leave the euro.

The Guardian - Business

When a couple like that is used to looking at every possible situation from every possible angle, I think it becomes harder to make one crucial, definitive choice.

The New York Times

Call the E.U.'s response to China's investment conditions a sudden, global responsibility of a kind that goes beyond the boundaries of what 21st-century Europe had always done best: blur the edges of any definitive choice more complicated than pure self-interest.

The New York Times

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton Davidd H. Petraeus, the new director of the Central Intelligence Agency; and Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, the new chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, planned to push their Pakistani counterparts to make a definitive choice between fighting terrorists or supporting them, the administration official said.

The New York Times

Today Warsaw is making even bigger efforts to find the right balance between its strong security relationship with America and the closer economic and political ties it has forged with other EU countries.The definitive choice of system will probably be made this year instead of 2015, as had been planned.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Mr. Belluso had not resolved central questions of structure, plot and style when he died, and definitive choices have not been made for him.

The New York Times

A particular focus is deriving an understanding of the problem so that different solutions can be assessed quantitatively, which allows more definitive choices to be made.

Journal of Systems and Software

For paediatric sepsis, the evidence base for fluid resuscitation upon definitive choices of fluids for resuscitation in severe infection and shock remains very weak [81], with most studies providing low quality of evidence or focusing on malaria and dengue.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

As President, Obama is accountable for either showing up -- or not -- in his actions for a better America, to make definitive choices on important issues, and to clearly lead.

Huffington Post

Wait times were calculated based on the number of days from screening to definitive choices (i.e., date of surgery or date of decision to decline the surgery either explicitly stated or based on date appointment was cancelled without rebooking).

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "definitive choice" when you want to emphasize that a decision is final, well-considered, and leaves no room for further debate. Consider the context to ensure the tone aligns with the weight of the decision.

Common error

Avoid using "definitive choice" for preliminary decisions or preferences that are subject to change. Ensure the choice truly represents a final resolution to prevent misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definitive choice" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific selection or decision that is considered final and authoritative. As Ludwig highlights, it suggests a well-considered resolution.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "definitive choice" is a noun phrase used to describe a final, authoritative decision or selection. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and suitable for a range of contexts, with a slightly more formal leaning. It commonly appears in News & Media and Scientific sources. When writing, remember that using "definitive choice" implies a conclusive decision has been made, so ensure the context is appropriate and the choice truly reflects a final resolution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

final decision

Focuses on the conclusion aspect, less on the deliberateness of the choice.

ultimate decision

Implies a supreme or last decision, carrying a tone of importance.

conclusive determination

Stresses the resolution of uncertainty through the decision.

decisive selection

Highlights the impactful nature of the choice.

definitive resolution

Emphasizes a clear end to a problem or question.

clear preference

Points towards a distinctly favored option.

categorical imperative

Signifies an unconditional moral obligation, quite stronger and philosophical.

irrevocable option

Indicates a choice that cannot be undone or reversed.

settled matter

Suggests that the choice has been completely resolved and agreed upon.

critical determination

Focuses on how essential the choice is

FAQs

How to use "definitive choice" in a sentence?

You can use "definitive choice" when referring to a decision that is final and leaves no room for doubt. For example: "After much deliberation, the board made a "definitive choice" about the company's direction".

What can I say instead of "definitive choice"?

You can use alternatives like "final decision", "ultimate selection", or "conclusive determination" depending on the context.

Is "definitive choice" formal or informal?

"Definitive choice" can be used in both formal and neutral contexts. However, because it emphasizes the finality of the decision, it may sound slightly more formal than a simple "final choice".

What's the difference between "definitive choice" and "preferred choice"?

"Definitive choice" implies a final and binding decision. On the other hand, "preferred choice" indicates a favored option that might still be subject to change or influenced by other factors.