less popular choice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less popular choice" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when comparing options to indicate that one option is not as favored as another. For example, "Choosing the less popular choice can sometimes lead to unexpected benefits." Alternative expressions include "less favored option," "not as preferred choice," and "lower-ranked selection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Of course Coke was the red wholesomeness of tradition and majority taste, and Pepsi was the younger, blue, less popular choice of a rebellious new generation!

The New York Times - Books

You might think Romney's status as poster-boy for the divisive religion might make him a less popular choice for Commander in Chief (in a 2007 poll, 22% said that being a Mormon was an undesirable characteristic for a president), but the odds might actually be stacked in his favour, as Mormonism seems to be having a moment.

The Guardian

In many cases he's an even less popular choice, given his willingness to fight with his own party in the Senate and his holier-than-thou personality.

Vice

It has been a challenge to resolve two distinct fluorescence signals simultaneously using SE-MPM, thereby making MPM a less popular choice for multi-color imaging despite the many well-known advantages of MPM over CLSM.

BMC Biotechnology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Despite their apparent benefits, home dialysis options remain the less popular choices in many countries [ 3].

BMC Nephrology

Football, basketball and baseball games are always good options, but don't forget less popular choices like school plays, dances or fundraising events.

WikiHow

We need to implement strategies to ensure positive rotation experiences, exposure to role models, improved lifestyle and job satisfaction as well as payment schedules that are equitable between disciplines in order to attract residents to less popular career choices.

BMC Medical Education

There will be a diminished appetite for an English manager now a less than universally popular choice has proved to be a dud, and not just because Steve Bruce is out of work, Alan Pardew remains wedded to Crystal Palace, and Eddie Howe and Sean Dyche both appear too young and inexperienced.

The Guardian - Sport

Another popular choice, less than a kilometre from the Place de la Comedie is the 146-room Corume Plaza Corum, next to Corum Conference Centre.

BBC

This created an incentive to try to game the system by listing a less popular school as their first choice because that way they would at least have a chance of getting in somewhere.

The New York Times

Any less popular replacement would have no choice but to emulate President Bush in putting national security -- in the form of a credible nuclear deterrent -- above the religious ban on mass murder.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing multiple options, use "less popular choice" to subtly indicate a selection that may offer unique advantages or cater to niche preferences.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "less popular choice" is inherently worse. It might simply be more specialized, innovative, or suitable for specific contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less popular choice" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less popular choice" is a grammatically sound and useful way to describe an option that isn't as widely favored as others. As Ludwig AI has confirmed, it is correct and usable in written English. While the frequency of its use is uncommon, it appears across various contexts, including news, science, and general information. Remembering that "less popular" doesn't automatically mean "inferior" can help avoid misinterpretations. Consider exploring alternatives like "less favored option" or "minority preference" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less favored option

Substitutes "popular" with "favored", emphasizing preference rather than widespread selection.

less preferred alternative

Replaces "choice" with "alternative" and "popular" with "preferred", focusing on subjective preference.

less common alternative

Focuses on the infrequency of the selection.

unconventional selection

Emphasizes the departure from the norm rather than the lack of popularity.

a less mainstream option

Indicates that the choice is outside of the common or conventional.

minority preference

Highlights that only a small group favors the selection.

an unpopular decision

Shifts the focus to the act of choosing, and the lack of public support for it.

not a widely adopted solution

Suggests that the option hasn't been broadly implemented or accepted.

a second-tier selection

Implies that the option is of lower quality or desirability compared to others.

the road less traveled

An idiomatic expression meaning a choice that most people do not make.

FAQs

How can I use "less popular choice" in a sentence?

You can use "less popular choice" to describe an option that is not as widely favored or selected compared to others. For instance, "While the standard package is the most common, the 'less popular choice' offers greater flexibility".

What are some alternatives to saying "less popular choice"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "less favored option", "less common alternative", or "minority preference".

Is it grammatically correct to use "less popular choice"?

Yes, "less popular choice" is grammatically correct. "Less" is used to compare the popularity of one choice to another, making it a valid and understandable phrase.

What does it mean when something is described as a "less popular choice"?

It means that, compared to other available options, this particular choice is selected or favored by fewer people or entities. It doesn't necessarily imply inferiority, but rather indicates a lower level of general preference or adoption.