opt to write

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "opt to write" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a choice or decision to write something instead of doing something else. Example: "After considering all options, I decided to opt to write a report rather than give a presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Some opt to write a "legacy letter," which imparts values to the next generations.

The New York Times

Those who opt to write senior papers are organized into tutorial groups in Autumn Quarter.

Stanford University

Some students opt to write a thesis in their second year.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

When Dawson's mother complained, she was told her daughter could opt to write an essay – forgoing sexual education entirely – or fail the class.

The Guardian - Opinion

After getting through all that math, test takers who opt to write the essay will have a much different assignment than they do today.

The New York Times

All CSRE-related students, even those who opt to write honors theses in other departments and programs, must enroll in CSRE 200X, Senior Seminar, offered in Autumn Quarter.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The user opts to write a masterpiece.

The New Yorker

Bullington, who is staunchly anti-abortion, opted to write in Marco Rubio instead.

The New Yorker

There, says Marchant, "you're co-opted to write in a format where all that matters is the craft you apply.

The Guardian

Alumni who have opted to write a thesis emphasize the significant impact that their research had in transitioning them to new roles within their organizations.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"When I looked at the most significant trends in educational technology last year, I opted to write about the "Digital Library" in lieu of digital textbooks.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering alternatives, use "opt to write" to clearly communicate that writing is a deliberate choice among other possibilities.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "opt to write" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "choose to write" or "decide to write" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opt to write" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing a conscious choice or decision to engage in the act of writing. It highlights the selection of writing from a range of potential actions. This is consistent with the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

28%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "opt to write" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that denotes a deliberate choice to engage in writing, as validated by Ludwig. It's versatile, appearing in academic papers, news articles, and professional communications. While "opt to write" is generally acceptable, it's best to use simpler alternatives in informal conversations. Ludwig's analysis showcases its purpose is to convey intention, select, or pick writing as a course of action from a range of options. When communicating the idea of choosing to write, the phrase "opt to write" is a solid option to consider.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

choose to write

Similar in meaning; emphasizes selection of writing over other actions.

decide to write

Focuses on the decision-making aspect before writing.

elect to write

A more formal way of saying "choose to write".

prefer to write

Indicates a preference for writing over alternative options.

go with writing

Implies selecting writing as the chosen path.

settle on writing

Suggests a final decision has been made in favor of writing.

incline to write

Indicates a tendency or leaning towards writing.

be inclined to write

Similar to 'incline to write', expressing a disposition toward writing.

determine to write

Highlights a firm resolution to write.

undertake to write

Implies a commitment or formal agreement to write.

FAQs

How can I use "opt to write" in a sentence?

You can use "opt to write" when expressing a choice or decision to write something instead of doing something else. For example: "After considering all options, I "decided to write" a report rather than give a presentation."

What is a more formal alternative to "opt to write"?

A more formal alternative to "opt to write" is "elect to write". It carries a similar meaning but is often used in more official or academic contexts.

What can I say instead of "opt to write" in casual conversation?

In casual conversation, simpler alternatives like "choose to write" or "decide to write" are often more appropriate and sound less formal.

Is "opting to write" the same as "opt to write"?

Yes, "opting to write" is the gerund or present participle form of "opt to write". While "opt to write" is the infinitive form and expresses a general choice, "opting to write" refers to the act of choosing to write at a specific moment or as an ongoing decision.