opted against

USAGE SUMMARY

"opted against" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's decision to choose a different option or take a different course of action than what is expected or what has been suggested. For example: "Sam opted against taking a vacation this year due to budget constraints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Augustus opted against surgery then.

The New York Times - Sports

(Like Mr. Cuomo, Mr. Paladino opted against a dress rehearsal).

The New York Times

As for me, I opted against a book.

The New Yorker

In 2004 the justice department opted against prosecution.

The Guardian

Kerry opted against immediate in-person diplomacy with either leader.

The Washington Post

Large police departments have generally opted against releasing any video.

The Washington Post

In recent months, two high-profile athletes opted against it.

The Washington Post

Even the White House opted against its proposed selfie ban.

The Washington Post

As a result, doctors often opted against aggressive follow-up treatments.

Harvard University

In the interest of objectivity, the Watch Enthusiast has opted against using aesthetics as a criterion.

The New York Times

Paul, who opted against campaigning in Florida, has concentrated instead on Maine.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "opted against" when you want to clearly express a conscious decision not to pursue a particular course of action, especially when alternatives were considered.

Common error

Avoid using "opted against" in very informal conversations; alternatives like "passed on" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opted against" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a deliberate choice or decision to not select a particular option or course of action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "opted against" is a versatile verb phrase used to express a deliberate decision not to pursue a particular option or action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It is commonly found in news and media, academic, and science contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When choosing an alternative, consider options like "chose not to" or "decided against" depending on the desired nuance. Remember to use "opted against" when you want to emphasize a conscious and considered decision. Avoid using it in very informal settings where simpler alternatives may be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chose not to

Indicates a decision not to do something, focusing on the choice made.

decided against

Emphasizes the decision-making process that led to not selecting an option.

refrained from

Suggests a deliberate act of holding back from doing something.

declined to

Formally indicates a refusal to accept or do something.

passed on

Informally means to reject an opportunity or option.

turned down

Means to reject an offer or proposal.

avoided

Implies taking action to prevent something from happening or being involved in something.

bypassed

Suggests going around or ignoring a particular step or option.

eschewed

Means to deliberately avoid using something, often for moral or aesthetic reasons.

vetoed

Suggests the use of power or authority to reject a proposal or decision.

FAQs

How can I use "opted against" in a sentence?

You can use "opted against" to indicate that someone made a conscious decision not to choose a particular option. For example, "The team "chose not to" implement the new strategy and "opted against" it after careful consideration."

What are some alternatives to "opted against"?

Some alternatives to "opted against" include "chose not to", "decided against", and "refrained from". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "opted against" or "decided not to"?

"Opted against" and "decided not to" are quite similar. "Opted against" often implies a more deliberate or formal decision-making process, whereas "decided not to" is more general. You can also consider "chose not to", which could be used instead.

What's the difference between "opted against" and "rejected"?

"Opted against" suggests a thoughtful choice not to pursue something. "Rejected", on the other hand, implies a more forceful refusal, possibly after something has been offered or proposed. Choosing between "opted against" or "rejected" depends on the context and the degree of opposition.