drastic choice

USAGE SUMMARY

"drastic choice" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a decision that requires a difficult or extreme choice. For example, "Faced with a difficult decision, Jack was left with a drastic choice - stay and struggle or leave and try his luck elsewhere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

And we will have to make a very drastic choice".

The Guardian

Dr. Solomon said there was no support on his subcommittee for the most drastic choice: cancellation.

The New York Times - Science

But in the post-referendum era, Brits in Italy receive sympathetic looks as concerned locals seek to understand how UK voters could have made such a drastic choice.

The Guardian

Rather than explaining in detail why Rana faces such a drastic choice, the movie, which opens today in Manhattan, is concerned with exploring her changing emotional state in the face of such obstacles.

The New York Times

Such, perhaps, is the most drastic choice available to the revolutionary: if you want to change the world, and it resists changing, then you might consider bidding it farewell.

The New Yorker

And we will have to make a very drastic choice". Thiel's single-market libertarianism fits snugly with Bilderberg's desire to see national sovereignty melt away and supranational bodies (and corporations) take its place.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The pet project I have in mind is a novel inspired by and exploring my Oma (grandmother) and Opa's (grandfather's) history — certain drastic choices they made in the course of their lives together.

The New York Times - Books

John and Ken lend a hand to New Yorker writer Larissa MacFarquhar, author of Strangers Drowning: Grappling with Impossible Idealism, Drastic Choices, and the Overpowering Urge to Help.

Stanford University

Given these drastic choices, some governments are considering encouraging people to move closer to supplies of fresh water, rather than the other way around.

The Washington Post

When an exacerbation leads toward a fateful decision to try ECT or even commit suicide, then reinforcing the importance of activities that stimulate biochemical pathways known to encourage a positive attitude and even strengthen a desire for survival may prove as useful as the most able manipulation of pharmaceuticals in preventing the need for drastic choices.

The New York Times

Very serious policymakers are now discussing such drastic choices as federally backing all short-term debt markets, eliminating short-term debt markets, outlawing the use of cash, and obliging financial firms to fund public investment projects in return for an explicit public backstop.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "drastic choice", ensure the context clearly establishes the severity or extremity of the situation leading to the decision. This will emphasize the weight and significance of the choice being made.

Common error

Avoid using "drastic choice" when a simpler or less dramatic term would suffice. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing seem overly sensational.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drastic choice" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "drastic" modifies the noun "choice". It serves to describe the type of decision being made, emphasizing its severity or extreme nature. Ludwig's examples showcase this function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "drastic choice" is a grammatically sound phrase that signifies a severe or extreme decision. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for use in written English. It's most frequently found in News & Media, conveying the weight of a difficult decision. While not the most common phrase, as shown by Ludwig, understanding its usage and context ensures clear and impactful communication. Remember to consider synonyms like ""radical decision"" or ""extreme measure"" to avoid overuse and maintain the appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

radical decision

Emphasizes the fundamental or revolutionary nature of the decision.

extreme measure

Focuses on the severity and intensity of the action taken.

severe option

Highlights the seriousness and potential consequences of the choice.

desperate solution

Suggests the choice is made out of desperation due to difficult circumstances.

last resort

Implies the choice is the final option available after exhausting all other possibilities.

tough call

Indicates the difficulty and challenge involved in making the decision.

momentous decision

Highlights the significant and impactful nature of the choice.

critical juncture

Focuses on the decisive point where a significant choice must be made.

far-reaching step

Emphasizes the broad and extensive impact of the decision.

difficult alternative

Highlights that the choice is one among many other possibilities, but has the caveat of being difficult.

FAQs

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

You can use "drastic choice" to describe a situation where someone is forced to make a difficult or extreme decision. For example, "Facing bankruptcy, he was left with a "drastic choice": sell his business or declare bankruptcy".

What are some alternatives to "drastic choice"?

Some alternatives to "drastic choice" include "radical decision", "extreme measure", or "severe option". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

It's appropriate to use "drastic choice" when the decision involves significant consequences, irreversible actions, or a high degree of risk. It emphasizes the seriousness of the situation.

Is "drastic choices" or "drastic choice" more common?

"Drastic choice" is used when referring to a singular decision, whereas "drastic choices" is used when referring to multiple decisions. The singular form focuses on one specific situation.