difficult choice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult choice" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a decision that is complicated and requires careful consideration. For example: "I had a difficult choice to make between going to college and joining the military."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a difficult choice.

The Economist

It was a difficult choice.

The New York Times - Arts

Fans have a difficult choice.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a very difficult choice.

The New York Times

Republicans would then face a difficult choice.

The New York Times

Women will face a difficult choice.

The New York Times

City officials faced a difficult choice.

The New York Times

They also have a difficult choice.

Independent

• Underwater homeowners clearly face a difficult choice.

The New York Times

The government faces a difficult choice.

The New York Times

The Red Sox had a difficult choice.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "difficult choice", ensure the context clearly explains why the choice is difficult. Provide enough information to allow the reader to understand the complexities and potential consequences involved.

Common error

While "difficult choice" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "challenging decision" or "complex decision" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult choice" functions as a noun phrase, where "difficult" modifies the noun "choice". It commonly serves as the subject or object of a sentence, indicating something that requires careful consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult choice" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a decision that involves complexity and challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage across various domains. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media sources, with additional presence in Academia and Formal & Business contexts. When using "difficult choice", it's important to provide sufficient context to explain the complexities involved and consider alternative phrases like "challenging decision" or "complex decision" to avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging decision

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging", highlighting the demanding nature of the decision.

tough decision

Substitutes "difficult" with "tough", indicating the demanding and potentially unpleasant nature of the choice.

complex decision

Replaces "difficult" with "complex", focusing on the intricate nature of the decision-making process.

unenviable decision

Highlights that the decision is not desirable or pleasant to make.

problematic decision

Replaces "difficult" with "problematic", emphasizing the potential issues or complications associated with the choice.

delicate decision

Indicates that the decision requires careful handling and consideration.

consequential decision

Highlights the significant impact and potential ramifications of the choice.

trying decision

Indicates that the decision is testing one's patience and resolve.

thorny decision

Implies the decision involves complex and potentially contentious issues.

vexing decision

Suggests the decision is causing worry and frustration.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult choice" to describe a situation where a decision is hard to make because of conflicting factors or undesirable outcomes. For example, "Faced with limited resources, the committee had a "difficult choice" between funding education and healthcare".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "difficult choice"?

Alternatives include "tough decision", "challenging decision", "complex decision", or "unenviable decision". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "difficult choice" or "difficult decision"?

"Difficult choice" and "difficult decision" are largely interchangeable. Both are grammatically correct and widely understood. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "difficult choice"?

Use "difficult choice" when you want to emphasize the challenging nature of a decision-making process. It's suitable in contexts where there are significant trade-offs, conflicting priorities, or potentially negative consequences associated with the available options.