only viable option

USAGE SUMMARY

"only viable option" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means that something is the only realistic or practical choice available. Example: "After considering all the options, moving to a new city was the only viable option for Sarah to find a better job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"A spinoff is the only viable option".

The New York Times

Hence the only viable option is LOYALTY.

University of California, Berkeley

Mr. Heckscher's house was the only viable option.

The New York Times - Style

The group's director says it is the only viable option.

The New York Times

Analysts believe a takeover is now the only viable option.

The Guardian - Money

My only viable option was to hang on.

The New York Times

It is the only viable option for all parties concerned.

The New York Times

So for now, nuclear energy is the only viable option.

The Guardian

Besides the Nets, San Antonio seems the only viable option, in terms of salary and competitiveness.

The New York Times - Sports

Its successful completion is the only viable option for a more inclusive and effective United Nations.

The New York Times

It looks now as if the only viable option is to charge them.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "only viable option", clearly articulate why other alternatives are not feasible. Provide specific reasons to strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid presenting a solution as the "only viable option" without thoroughly exploring and acknowledging potential drawbacks. Acknowledge limitations to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only viable option" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a singular choice deemed practical and feasible, as confirmed by Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

25%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only viable option" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate the sole practical or realistic solution to a problem. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples across varied contexts such as news, academic research, and scientific publications.

While the phrase is widely accepted, it's crucial to use it judiciously. When employing this phrase, ensure you've thoroughly explored alternatives and can substantiate why the presented option is indeed the only feasible one. This approach adds credibility to your argument and prevents overstatement, enhancing the effectiveness of your communication. Semantically related phrases, such as "sole feasible choice", "only realistic alternative", and "only practical solution", can also be used depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sole feasible choice

Replaces 'viable' with 'feasible' and 'option' with 'choice', emphasizing practicality and singularity.

only realistic alternative

Focuses on realism rather than viability, implying practicality within actual constraints.

only practical solution

Highlights the problem-solving aspect, suggesting the alternative is functional and effective.

the one and only way forward

Emphasizes direction and progress, suggesting inevitability and necessity.

the only route available

Uses 'route' instead of 'option', suggesting a constrained path or course of action.

the sole possibility

Emphasizes uniqueness and limitation, implying no other choices exist.

the only workable solution

Stresses that the proposed solution is actually capable of producing desired results

best course of action

Focuses on optimality rather than necessity, implying a judgment of superiority.

inescapable necessity

Shifts focus to the unavoidable nature of the choice, highlighting its compulsory aspect.

unavoidable measure

Highlights the compulsory aspect and actions that needs to be taken

FAQs

How can I use "only viable option" in a sentence?

You can use "only viable option" to emphasize that a particular choice is the only realistic or practical solution. For instance, "Given the circumstances, restructuring the company was the "only viable option"."

What can I say instead of "only viable option"?

Alternatives include "sole feasible choice", "only realistic alternative", or "only practical solution", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "only viable option" or "only valuable option"?

"Only viable option" is correct when referring to the only feasible or practical choice. "Only valuable option" would refer to the only option that has worth or importance, which is a different meaning.

What's the difference between "only viable option" and "preferred option"?

"Only viable option" indicates a lack of alternatives, while "preferred option" suggests a choice based on desirability among multiple possibilities. The first indicates a constrained situation, the second a selection based on merit.