may choose their

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may choose their" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing options or preferences available to individuals or groups. Example: "Students may choose their preferred subjects for the upcoming academic year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Lawyers may choose their clients.

The New York Times - Magazine

But in ordinary circumstances, physicians may choose their patients.

The New York Times - Magazine

Parties make up their own rules to suit themselves, as papers may choose their candidates to please their publisher.

The New Yorker

To begin, assign each group a country from the following list, or students may choose their own countries: Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Indonesia, Vietnam, United States or China.

The New York Times

Students may choose their own living arrangements: off-campus apartments; Experimental College coeducational housing; dormitory rooms; or a built-in apartment in a dormitory.

The New Yorker

In fact, though, Darwin also proposed a theory of sexual selection, in which animals may choose their mates according to aesthetic standards — their own subjective desires.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

They may not choose their victims carefully; terrorism is mostly a game of opportunity.

TechCrunch

Voters throughout the UK will go to the polls on 7 May to choose their MPs.

BBC

Parents may choose whether their child is born before or after January 1 and this choice could be related to parenting skills.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

This can make them angry, and they may choose to take their anger out on another sibling.

WikiHow

Invade their space and they may choose to withhold their rent.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may choose their", ensure the context clearly indicates who is making the choice and what options are available. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "may choose their" when describing mandatory actions. This phrase indicates a choice or option, not a requirement. Use stronger verbs like "must" or "are required to" for obligations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may choose their" functions primarily as a modal phrase indicating possibility and agency. It suggests that someone has the option or permission to make a selection. This aligns with Ludwig's affirmation that the phrase is correct and usable, as it clearly conveys the potential for choice.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may choose their" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the possibility and right to make a selection. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, from News & Media to Science. Remember that while "may choose their" is acceptable, it is important to distinguish its meaning from mandatory obligations, where alternative phrases like "must choose their" would be more appropriate. The related phrases and writing guidance provide further insights into refining your usage for maximum clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can select their

Replaces "may choose" with "can select", emphasizing ability or permission.

might pick their

Substitutes "choose" with "pick", suggesting a less formal selection process.

could decide on their

Uses "decide on" instead of "choose", highlighting the decision-making aspect.

are able to designate their

Emphasizes the capability to specify or assign something as theirs.

have the option to determine their

Focuses on the availability of choice and the act of determining.

may designate their

A more formal and specific substitute, implying official assignment.

can specify their

Implies a detailed and explicit selection or indication.

might assign their

Suggests a potential action of allocating or attributing something as theirs.

are permitted to select their

Emphasizes the permission or authorization to make a selection.

could name their

Replaces choose with name suggesting a naming action

FAQs

How can I use "may choose their" in a sentence?

Use "may choose their" to indicate that individuals or entities have the option to select or decide on something. For example, "Students "may choose their" elective courses based on their interests".

What is a more formal alternative to "may choose their"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "are permitted to select their" or "have the option to determine their". These options convey a similar meaning with a more elevated register.

Is it always appropriate to use "may choose their", or are there situations where it's not suitable?

While "may choose their" is generally correct, it's not suitable when describing mandatory actions or requirements. Use it only when a genuine choice or option exists.

What's the difference between "may choose their" and "must choose their"?

"May choose their" indicates an option, while "must choose their" implies an obligation. Use "may" when selection is voluntary and "must" when it's compulsory.