first choice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first choice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a preferred option or selection among alternatives. Example: "When it comes to vacation destinations, Italy is my first choice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now he's first choice.

Independent

"You get first choice".

The New York Times - Books

"It's almost the first choice".

The Economist

"This was his first choice.

Independent

Carr's verdict: Hogarth's first choice.

Independent

That's not our first choice.

The New York Times

Were they his first choice?

The New York Times - Sports

It wasn't my first choice".

The New York Times

That's the president's first choice.

The New York Times

First choice for what?

The Guardian - Books

That's his first choice.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "first choice", ensure the context clearly indicates the alternatives being considered. This provides clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "first choice" when there are no other viable options. The phrase implies a deliberate decision among multiple possibilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first choice" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying the most preferred option or selection from a set of possibilities. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first choice" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to denote the most preferred option among alternatives. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and frequently used across various contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. Remember to ensure the context clearly indicates the alternatives being considered for clarity. While "first choice" is a strong indicator of preference, always consider alternative phrases like "preferred option" or "top pick" to add variety to your writing. The extensive examples provided by Ludwig underscore its common usage and adaptability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preferred option

Emphasizes the act of choosing something over other possibilities.

top pick

Highlights that something is selected as the best among others.

favorite selection

Indicates a choice that is liked the most.

primary preference

Highlights that something is preferred before all other options.

leading candidate

Implies that something is the most likely or suitable option.

choice of preference

Refers to a particular option that is favored.

ideal option

Suggests the perfect or most desirable choice.

number one priority

Focuses on the importance and urgency of a particular choice.

optimal selection

Indicates that something is the best choice based on specific criteria.

best alternative

Denotes the top selection when considering available alternatives.

FAQs

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

You can use "first choice" to indicate a preferred option, such as, "Given the options, this restaurant is my "first choice" for dinner tonight".

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

Alternatives include "preferred option", "top pick", or "leading candidate", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "first choice" or should I use another phrasing?

The phrase "first choice" is grammatically correct and commonly used. However, you can also say "initial choice" or "primary preference" for variety.

What is the difference between "first choice" and "second choice"?

"First choice" indicates the most preferred option, while "second choice" refers to the next best alternative if the "first choice" is unavailable.