initial choice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "initial choice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the first option or selection made in a decision-making process. Example: "After considering several options, my initial choice was to pursue a career in engineering."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Lawrence was the government's initial choice to direct the Los Alamos laboratory.

The New York Times - Books

Immediately you will hear music from a "station" based on that initial choice.

The New York Times - Tech

But his initial choice of words came back to haunt him.

The Guardian

This tab takes you to a graphical display of colors that complement your initial choice.

The New York Times - Tech

Realising that his initial choice, Jane Bennet, is unavailable, he turns his attentions to her sister, Elizabeth.

The Guardian - Books

Courtiers had to reverse their initial choice of a private commemoration and give Diana a state funeral.

The Guardian

One can picture Walt Disney, in turn, coming across that initial choice of villain and slamming the book shut.

The New Yorker

Mr. Snowden's initial choice of Hong Kong as a place of refuge may not have been entirely illogical.

The New York Times

Ninety-six percent of Romney voters and 98 percent of Obama voters are loyal to their initial choice.

The New York Times

It seems the agent faces an initial choice about representation.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

As I understand it, they're restricting our choices, and sometimes boldly making the initial choice--the "best" one--for us.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a sequence of decisions, use "initial choice" to clearly mark the starting point before subsequent adjustments or changes are made.

Common error

Ensure that the context makes it clear what the "initial choice" refers to, especially if multiple choices are being discussed. Be specific to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial choice" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It identifies the first selection or option made in a decision-making process. Ludwig examples show it is used to denote a starting point that may or may not be changed later.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "initial choice" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to denote the first selection or option in a decision-making process. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various domains, especially in science and news media. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in context to avoid ambiguity, and consider alternatives like "first selection" or "original preference" for nuanced expression. It serves to provide context and indicate a starting point in a series of choices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Early choice

Focuses on the timing of the selection.

First selection

Focuses on the act of picking something first.

First option

Highlights the availability of multiple possibilities before making a decision.

Initial decision

Emphasizes the act of deciding rather than the item chosen.

Original preference

Highlights personal inclination at the beginning.

Primary selection

Highlights the main or most important choice made at the beginning.

Preliminary selection

Emphasizes the tentative or provisional nature of the selection.

Beginning preference

Combines the idea of a starting point with a personal inclination.

Starting point

Shifts focus to the beginning of a process, with choice as a secondary aspect.

Opening move

Metaphorically refers to the first step in a strategic situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "initial choice" to refer to the first selection made from a range of options, as in "My initial choice for the project was to focus on renewable energy sources".

What's a good alternative to "initial choice"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "initial choice" include "first selection", "original preference", or "preliminary selection".

Is it okay to use "initial choice" in formal writing?

Yes, "initial choice" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to refer to a starting selection. For example, it can be used in scientific papers or business proposals.

What's the difference between "initial choice" and "final decision"?

"Initial choice" refers to the first option considered, while "final decision" indicates the ultimate selection after considering all options and potential revisions.