given the option

USAGE SUMMARY

"Given the option" is an acceptable phrase to use in written English.
You can use it when you are considering two or more choices or options. For example, "Given the option, I would rather stay at home than go to the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Given the option, they can.

The New York Times

We'll be given the option: change the contract or leave.

The Guardian - Opinion

I was not given the option of cutting it.

The New Yorker

Both were given the option of resigning or being fired.

The Guardian

But many of them are never given the option.

The New York Times

Voters were not given the option of rejecting the plan.

The New York Times

But it is vital that she is given the option".

Independent

NHS patients flock to private hospitals when given the option.

The Economist

She'd be given the option to abort the pregnancy.

The New York Times

At the end of the booking I was given the option to pay in sterling.

The Guardian - Money

But, given the option, I'm not sure I'd ever choose to surrender it.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add emphasis, consider front-loading the phrase: "Given the option, I would always choose..." This helps immediately highlight the preferred choice.

Common error

Avoid using "given the option" when there is no actual choice presented. This phrase implies a selection exists, and using it otherwise can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "given the option" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a condition or circumstance under which something is preferred or chosen. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows its usage in various sentences expressing preference.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

25%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "given the option" is a versatile phrase used to express a preference or intended action when a choice is available. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and wiki sources. When using "given the option", ensure that the context clearly indicates the available choices to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "if a choice is available" or "should a selection be offered" can be used to convey a similar meaning. It's also important to remember that it is grammatically sound and follows standard English rules.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if a choice is available

Specifies that a selection must be accessible for the phrase to be applicable.

if a preference is allowed

Highlights the allowance of a specific inclination or desire.

should a selection be offered

Implies a hypothetical scenario where a pick is presented.

assuming there's a possibility to choose

Emphasizes the assumption of a selection being present.

if a selection is presented

Focuses on a selection being available to the user.

assuming a choice is provided

Highlights the condition of a selection being supplied.

if a selection is your to make

Highlights the personal agency in making a choice.

were a preference granted

Implies a scenario where a liking is permitted or allowed.

should a preference exist

Suggests a conditional scenario where a preference is present.

when a choice becomes available

Highlights the moment when an option is accessible.

FAQs

How can I use "given the option" in a sentence?

You can use "given the option" to express a preference or choice when one is available. For example, "Given the option, I would prefer to travel by train."

What does "given the option" mean?

"Given the option" means that if a choice or opportunity is available, then a particular action or preference would be taken or favored.

Which is correct, "given the option" or "giving the option"?

"Given the option" is used to express a preference when a choice is available. "Giving the option" /s/giving+the+option, on the other hand, refers to the act of providing someone with a choice.

What can I say instead of "given the option"?

You can use alternatives such as "if a choice is available" /s/if+a+choice+is+available, "if a preference is allowed" /s/if+a+preference+is+allowed, or "should a selection be offered" /s/should+a+selection+be+offered depending on the context.