leading option

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leading option" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the most favorable or preferred choice among several alternatives. Example: "After reviewing all the proposals, we have determined that the leading option is the one that offers the best value for our budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

But as most pet owners know, the family-lodging category is by far the leading option.

The New York Times - Travel

Lignocellulose-based bioethanol is a leading option among alternatives to petroleum-derived transportation fuels due to its potential sustainability.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

The leading option is for the gas to be liquefied at Vasilikos.Gas is changing the geopolitics of the region.

The Economist

"Grid-level storage" using batteries is currently a leading option, but Li-ion batteries are still incredibly expensive.

Princeton University

Most people here learned over the weekend that the Obama administration considered Thomson a leading option in its plan to close the military detention facility in Cuba.

The New York Times

A leading option is for the ECB to buy bonds on the secondary market while the rescue funds share the burden by buying them on the primary market.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Design for system that provides solar- or wind-generated power on demand should be cheaper than other leading options.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The two leading options apart from expanding Heathrow are a giant four-runway airport in the Thames Estuary or an expansion of Stansted.

The Times

Oxyfuel combustion, where the fuel is combusted in a mixture of pure oxygen and recycled flue gases instead of air, is one of the leading options for carbon capture from coal-fired power plants.

Applied Thermal Engineering

"We have not come to the point where we can tell you precisely what the leading options are," Mr. Bernanke told Senator Richard C. Shelby of Alabama, the top Republican on the Banking Committee.

The New York Times

Despite his emphasis on policy, Romney offers no major new proposals, and often merely lists the pros and cons of the leading options for tackling some of the thorniest issues facing the country.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting multiple possibilities, clearly state that "leading option" represents the one most likely to be chosen or most favored, providing context for why it stands out from the rest.

Common error

Avoid using "leading option" repeatedly without specifying the criteria that make it the best choice. Provide context to support why it's considered the "leading option" and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leading option" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object, identifying a specific choice as the most prominent or favored one. Ludwig's examples confirm its use in various contexts to denote preference.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

24%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "leading option" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that designates the most favorable or prominent choice among alternatives. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. While generally neutral in register, it's important to provide sufficient context when using this phrase to clarify why a particular option is considered the "leading option". Alternatives such as "preferred alternative" or "top contender" can be used to avoid repetition and add nuance. Proper usage involves clearly defining the criteria that make it the best choice and avoiding overuse without qualification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preferred alternative

Directly indicates a choice that is favored over others.

first choice

Indicates the initial or most desired selection.

optimal choice

Highlights the choice that provides the best outcome or result.

primary candidate

Emphasizes consideration and potential selection from available options.

top contender

Focuses on competition and high ranking among alternatives.

prime prospect

Emphasizes the potential and favorable outlook of a choice.

chief possibility

Highlights the main or most prominent possibility.

foremost selection

Suggests a selection that is at the front or most important.

main solution

Focuses on the primary solution to a problem.

best bet

Implies a choice with a high probability of success or favor.

FAQs

How can I use "leading option" in a sentence?

You can use "leading option" to indicate the most promising or preferred choice among several alternatives. For instance, "After evaluating all strategies, a ground invasion is the "leading option" to improve cease-fire."

What are some alternatives to saying "leading option"?

Alternatives to "leading option" include "preferred alternative", "top contender", or "primary candidate", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "leading option" or "leading choice"?

Both "leading option" and "leading choice" are acceptable. "Leading option" might be more suitable when discussing strategies or plans, while "leading choice" can apply to general preferences or selections.

What's the difference between "leading option" and "prominent option"?

"Leading option" implies a sense of preference or likelihood of selection, whereas "prominent option" simply suggests that the option is highly noticeable or significant. A prominent option may not necessarily be the "leading option".