device of choice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "device of choice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a preferred device for a specific task or purpose. Example: "In our study, we found that the smartphone was the device of choice for most participants when accessing online resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But it still remains the mobile device of choice for many, and deservedly so.

The Guardian - Tech

Mr. DiLeo said: "You can't stop travelers using their apps or device of choice.

The New York Times

Instead of using a computer Jones used his (somewhat retrograde) device of choice: an old manual typewriter.

The Guardian - Film

For publishers, the iPad has become the consumption device of choice and the trendy way to showcase content.

The Guardian

The venue will be Facebook's Australian headquarters in Sydney and of course your web-enabled device of choice: this is live and participatory, after all.

The Guardian

This made it the device of choice for a rich and mobile class, eventually spawning an aspirational market beyond Wall Street.

The New York Times

Since BlackBerry is the device of choice for busy professionals, it may not be surprising that it has nearly nothing in the realm of poetry apps.

The New York Times - Tech

During the cold war era, the surveillance device of choice among law enforcement was the Nagra, a Swiss-made portable tape recorder.

The New York Times

Thanks to fast and relatively cheap mobile broadband services, phones have already become the device of choice for accessing some sites in Asia.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Just plug the transmitter into your device-of-choice's headphone jack and you're set.

TechCrunch

For patients with intact control of eye movements, eyetrackers are the device-of-choice, at least if information throughput is the evaluation criterion.

Behavioral and Brain Functions

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "device of choice", ensure the context clearly indicates why the device is preferred. Specify the characteristics that make it the best option for the given situation.

Common error

Don't use "device of choice" without clarifying which specific situation or user group it applies to. For example, instead of saying "smartphones are the device of choice", specify "smartphones are the device of choice for accessing social media".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "device of choice" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject complement or an object, identifying a specific tool or technology that is favored for a particular task or within a specific context. As shown by Ludwig, its role is to clarify which device is preferred among others.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "device of choice" is a commonly used noun phrase that signifies a preferred tool or technology for a specific purpose. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While it maintains a neutral register, ensuring its suitability across different writing styles, it's best practice to provide context on why a device is preferred, avoiding vague references. Alternatives like "preferred device" or "go-to device" offer similar meanings, with slight differences in nuance. Overall, "device of choice" is a versatile and widely accepted phrase when used thoughtfully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preferred device

Focuses on the element of preference over general selection.

go-to device

Emphasizes the idea of a device being the first option considered.

favored gadget

Replaces 'device' with a more informal term, 'gadget'.

tool of preference

Highlights the tool aspect with preference as the selection criteria.

instrument of choice

Replaces 'device' with 'instrument', suggesting a tool used for a specific purpose.

equipment of choice

Replaces "device" with "equipment", suitable when referring to more complex tools.

selection of preference

Changes the structure to emphasize the act of choosing based on preference.

the selected device

Highlights the act of selecting a device, neutralizing the preference aspect.

the device most often used

Focuses on frequency of use as the primary selection criteria.

the opted-for device

Formal rephrasing, putting emphasis on the selection process.

FAQs

How can I use "device of choice" in a sentence?

You can use "device of choice" to indicate a preferred tool or technology for a specific task. For instance, "For graphic design, the iPad Pro is often the "device of choice" because of its portability and pen support."

What's a more formal alternative to "device of choice"?

In a formal context, consider using "preferred device" or "selected device". These options maintain a professional tone while conveying the same meaning.

Is "device of choice" subjective or objective?

The term "device of choice" often implies a subjective preference based on individual needs or circumstances. However, it can also be used objectively when referring to a device that is widely recognized as superior for a particular application.

What phrases are similar to "device of choice"?

Similar phrases include "go-to device", "preferred gadget", or "instrument of choice". The best alternative depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.