fundamental choice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fundamental choice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a basic or essential decision that significantly impacts a situation or outcome. Example: "Choosing between honesty and deceit is a fundamental choice that defines one's character."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

all of them are manifestations of the same fundamental choice --between twopposedmentally opposed spirits-- with which human civilization is now (again) being confronted.

HuffPost

A fundamental choice.

The Guardian

Democrats, thus, face a fundamental choice.

The New York Times

"We have a fundamental choice to make," he said.

The New York Times

The UK government's fundamental choice is thus clear.

The Guardian - Opinion

In this -- in this campaign we have a fundamental choice.

The Washington Post

It said we all face a fundamental choice in life.

The New York Times

Still, any decision process must begin with a fundamental choice — where do you establish home base?

The New York Times - Travel

The world's biggest chemical companies are facing a fundamental choice: chemicals or drugs.

The New York Times

But all this is a diversion from the fundamental choice at the election.

The Guardian - Opinion

We face a fundamental choice — whether we will have a free-market or regulated economy".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fundamental choice" to emphasize that a decision is essential and has far-reaching implications. It's best suited when the selection genuinely alters subsequent possibilities or outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "fundamental choice" for minor decisions or preferences. Reserve it for situations where the outcome has significant and lasting consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamental choice" functions as a noun phrase that describes a critical decision or selection. It often acts as the subject or object of a sentence, emphasizing the importance and impact of the choice being made, as Ludwig AI confirms with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fundamental choice" is a powerful phrase used to denote a crucial decision with significant and lasting consequences. As indicated by Ludwig AI and supported by a high frequency of usage across diverse and authoritative sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Washington Post, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for formal and professional contexts. When using "fundamental choice", ensure that the decision genuinely alters the course of events. Alternatives include "essential decision", "core decision", and "critical decision", each offering a slightly different nuance. Understanding the weight and implications of this phrase will enable writers to more accurately convey the importance of pivotal decisions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

critical decision

Stresses the importance and potential consequences of the decision.

pivotal choice

Emphasizes the turning point aspect of the selection.

core decision

Indicates the central importance of the decision.

essential decision

Focuses on the necessity and importance of the decision.

primary selection

Highlights the initial and most important selection.

key selection

Highlights the act of choosing from available options.

foundational option

Highlights the role of this option as a basis for future actions.

basic option

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the choice.

underlying decision

Focuses on the base or root of the decision-making process.

elementary selection

Suggests the simplicity and essential nature of the selection.

FAQs

How to use "fundamental choice" in a sentence?

Use "fundamental choice" to describe a crucial decision that shapes future outcomes, such as, "The "fundamental choice" facing the company is whether to innovate or stagnate".

What can I say instead of "fundamental choice"?

You can use alternatives like "essential decision", "core decision", or "critical decision" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "fundamental choice" or "basic choice"?

"Fundamental choice" implies a decision with significant and lasting impact, while "basic choice" suggests a more routine or simple selection. The correct choice depends on the context.

What's the difference between "fundamental choice" and "strategic decision"?

"Fundamental choice" refers to a basic, often value-based decision, whereas "strategic decision" implies a choice made with a specific long-term goal in mind.