obvious choice

USAGE SUMMARY

"obvious choice" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a decision or selection that is clear and easy to make. For example, "The candidate with the most experience was the obvious choice for the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The obvious choice.

The New Yorker

He was the obvious choice".

The New York Times

India is the obvious choice.

The Economist

Pinkerton was an obvious choice.

The New York Times

Another obvious choice is water.

The New York Times

That'd be the obvious choice.

The New York Times - Sports

So he's the obvious choice.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They were the obvious choice.

The Guardian

Boston was the obvious choice.

The New York Times

It was the obvious choice back then.

The Economist

He didn't seem the obvious choice.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "obvious choice" when you want to emphasize that a particular decision or selection is the most logical or apparent one, given the available information. This phrase works well in situations where the reasoning behind the choice is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "obvious choice" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "clear selection" or "logical option" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obvious choice" primarily functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'obvious' modifies the noun 'choice'. It typically acts as a subject complement or an object within a sentence, as Ludwig AI confirms with its grammatical assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obvious choice" is a grammatically correct and very commonly used phrase that indicates the most logical or apparent selection. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its frequency across numerous sources, particularly in News & Media, reinforces its widespread acceptability. When writing, it's advisable to use this phrase when the selection is genuinely clear and supported by evidence, and to vary your language with alternatives like "clear selection" or "logical option" to prevent repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear selection

Emphasizes the straightforward nature of the choice.

evident option

Highlights the conspicuousness of the option.

logical selection

Focuses on the rational basis for the choice.

foregone conclusion

Suggests the choice was inevitable or predictable.

inescapable choice

Indicates a choice that cannot be avoided.

unquestionable option

Implies that the choice is beyond dispute.

plain sailing decision

Suggests an easy and straightforward decision.

no-brainer decision

Informal way of saying a decision requires little thought.

self-evident selection

The selection is obvious without needing further explanation.

most apparent decision

Highlights the readily visible nature of the decision.

FAQs

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

You can use "obvious choice" to indicate that a decision or selection is clear and easily apparent. For example, "Given her qualifications, she was the "obvious choice" for the promotion".

What are some alternatives to "obvious choice"?

Alternatives to "obvious choice" include phrases like "clear selection", "logical option", or "evident option", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "obvious choice"?

While "obvious choice" is generally acceptable, ensure that the choice truly is clear and well-supported by evidence. Using it when the decision is actually debatable might undermine your credibility.

What's the difference between "obvious choice" and "best choice"?

"Obvious choice" implies the selection is readily apparent, while "best choice" suggests the selection is superior after evaluating multiple options. The "best choice" may require more analysis, whereas the "obvious choice" is immediately clear.