expedient choice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expedient choice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a decision or option that is convenient and practical, often in a specific context where efficiency is prioritized. Example: "In light of the circumstances, we believe that the expedient choice would be to proceed with the project as planned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

But Obama carried the district, with fifty-two per cent of the vote, and the eleven Republican county chairs made what seemed like an expedient choice in nominating the veteran state assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava to run for McHugh's seat.

The New Yorker

To make it happen, Democratic lawmakers and Gov. Mitt Romney, a Republican, made an expedient choice, deferring until another day any serious effort to control the state's runaway health costs.

The New York Times - Health

One of the governor's advisers said that while Mr. Spitzer was no fan of following convention, Mr. Paterson "would be both a friendly, safe and politically expedient choice," adding, "The lieutenant governor's current low profile shouldn't be read as a commentary on the faith the governor has in him or his political or governmental future".

The New York Times

However, Russia may go with the more politically expedient choice if it becomes clear that Mr Ankvab cannot maintain stability.

BBC

Still, many Whigs found Rives a more politically expedient choice, as they hoped to ally with the conservative wing of the Democratic Party in the 1840 presidential election.

Wikipedia

Well, no; organic rennet would be too expensive, so Chipotle uses the cheaper, GMO version -- and then tries to spin its expedient choice.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Either way, it's a significant departure from the politically expedient choices of the original costume designer, Ernesto Martinez, who put Dreyfus in fitted Prada and Christian Dior dresses, and daywear from the affordable US label Tahari (the nearest British equivalent is Coast).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In the absence of a costed plan to really, truly sort out the NHS, we're left with politically expedient choices.

Vice

Moreover, "Thaddeus and Slocum" was a very challenging original show, dealing with issues of race and appropriation and the ethics of expedient choices.

Los Angeles Times

He's a medicine-hidden-in-pudding kind of guy, doubtless seeing these choices as expedient and allowing him to make more reflective choices elsewhere.

The New York Times - Arts

It makes dressing easier, by the simple expedient of narrowing down your choices.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "expedient choice", ensure the context clearly indicates why the choice is the most practical or advantageous option, even if it's not necessarily the ideal one in other respects. Be upfront about trade-offs. Consider pairing it with phrases that acknowledge limitations.

Common error

Avoid using "expedient choice" when you actually mean "best choice" or "ideal choice". "Expedient" implies practicality and efficiency, often at the expense of other considerations. If there were no compromises involved, a different phrase is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expedient choice" functions as a noun phrase where "expedient" modifies "choice". It describes the type or nature of the choice being made. Ludwig examples illustrate it describing decisions in political, economic, and practical contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "expedient choice" is a grammatically correct noun phrase describing a decision made primarily for its practicality and efficiency, as verified by Ludwig AI. While not extremely frequent, it appears in a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as in scientific and wiki-based writing. While "expedient choice" is not inherently negative, writers should be aware of its implications of potential compromises compared to other options, like "practical decision" or "sensible option". Be sure to choose it accurately. Be also aware that "expedient" is not used in everyday conversations, but it can appear in professional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

practical decision

Replaces "expedient" with "practical" and "choice" with "decision", focusing on the practicality aspect.

sensible option

Emphasizes the reasonability of the selection instead of its efficiency.

pragmatic selection

Substitutes "expedient" with "pragmatic", highlighting a focus on realistic outcomes.

convenient alternative

Shifts focus to convenience rather than optimal suitability.

opportune solution

Highlights the timeliness and favorable nature of the selection.

strategic move

Focuses on the calculated nature of the selection, highlighting its role in a larger plan.

advantageous course of action

Replaces the single word "choice" with a longer phrase emphasizing the action and its beneficial qualities.

politic decision

Implies a calculated decision made for social or political reasons.

judicious selection

Focuses on the careful and thoughtful nature of the pick.

workable method

Emphasizes the practicality and feasibility of the method chosen.

FAQs

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

You can use "expedient choice" to describe a decision that is practical and efficient, even if it's not the best in all aspects. For example: "Given the limited resources, choosing the cheaper supplier was an "expedient choice"."

What are some alternatives to "expedient choice"?

Alternatives include "practical decision", "sensible option", or "pragmatic selection", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "expedient choice" a positive or negative term?

"Expedient choice" is neither inherently positive nor negative. It suggests practicality and efficiency, but it can also imply compromise or a lack of idealism. Its connotation depends heavily on the context.

What is the difference between "expedient choice" and "optimal choice"?

An "expedient choice" prioritizes efficiency and practicality, potentially sacrificing other considerations. An "optimal choice", on the other hand, aims for the best possible outcome across all relevant factors, even if it's less convenient or efficient. See also "best choice".