only one choice

USAGE SUMMARY

'only one choice' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when there is a limited number of options; for example, "Only one choice was available for dinner: lasagna."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"From 1948 until the invasion of Lebanon, in 1982, the Israeli enemy imposed on Lebanon and the region only one choice," one of the placards said.

The New Yorker

A recent Kaiser Family Foundation report indicates United Healths departure will leave consumers on Oklahoma's Exchange with only one choice of insurance carriers.

Forbes

In Spain, on a warm summer afternoon, there is only one choice, rose: in this instance, the beautiful Rosado Gran Fuego from Bodegas Julian Chivite in Navarre.

The New York Times - Food

That's one more reason to show up on Monday: To let Chris Van Hollen and other Democrats know they have only one choice.

HuffPost

I had only one choice.

The New York Times

Only one choice: Michael Sheen.

The Guardian - Film

There was only one choice to make.

The New York Times - Sports

Thus, Flynn Fuller has only one choice.

Harvard Business Review

In that fight, there's really only one choice.

The Washington Post

There's only one choice to be the next speaker.

The Washington Post

But, for him, there had always been only one choice.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only one choice" to clearly indicate a lack of alternatives and to emphasize the singularity of a decision or option. It is effective when you want to highlight the limited nature of the available options.

Common error

Avoid using "only one choice" when multiple options genuinely exist. Overstating the lack of alternatives can mislead your audience and undermine your credibility. Ensure that your claim aligns with the actual situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only one choice" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun. It limits the selection to a singular option. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only one choice" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote the lack of alternatives, as also pointed out by Ludwig AI. Its function is to limit options, its purpose is to emphasize singularity, and its register is neutral. The phrase finds frequent application in news, scientific, and formal contexts. Alternatives include "sole option" and "single possibility". When using it, ensure the context accurately reflects a genuine absence of other options to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only option available

Directly states that there are no other options besides the one mentioned.

one and only choice

Emphasizes the uniqueness and exclusivity of the choice.

sole option

Focuses on the exclusivity of the option, emphasizing that it is the only one available.

the sole alternative

Stresses that the presented alternative is the only one existing.

limited to one choice

Highlights the restriction of having only a single choice available.

single possibility

Highlights the lack of multiple possibilities, emphasizing the uniqueness of the option.

but one option

A more emphatic way to express the same idea as “only one choice”.

just one alternative

Emphasizes that among all potential alternatives, only one is viable.

no other recourse

Indicates a situation where all other options have been exhausted, leaving only one choice.

the only way forward

Suggests that a specific course of action is the unique path to progress or resolution.

FAQs

How can I use "only one choice" in a sentence?

You can use "only one choice" to indicate the absence of alternatives, such as in the sentence: "Given the circumstances, we had "only one choice": to accept the offer."

What are some alternatives to saying "only one choice"?

Alternatives include phrases like "sole option", "single possibility", or "just one alternative", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "only one choice"?

Yes, "only one choice" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to express that there is a singular option or decision available.

What's the difference between "only one choice" and "the only choice"?

"Only one choice" simply states there is a single option, while "the only choice" implies that this option is not just singular but also the best or most appropriate one under the circumstances.