option of

USAGE SUMMARY

"option of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when referring to a choice or set of choices that someone has. For example, "I had the option of going to the park or staying home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That leaves the option of political engagement.

The New Yorker

"It is the option of last recourse.

The New York Times

That's the option of doing nothing".

The New York Times

"The option of survival is fairly limited.

The New York Times

And there's still the option of Kaka.

The Guardian - Sport

It also offers the option of "Never".

The Guardian - Tech

Raw isn't the only option, of course.

The New York Times - Travel

So I didn't have the option of recording the show.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Candidates would have the option of listing their party affiliation.

The New York Times

YANKEES--Exercised the 2006 contract option of RHP Tanyon Sturtze.

The New York Times

The option of relocating possums also will be explored.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When listing multiple options, ensure clarity by using parallel structure. For example, "The option of staying in a hotel, renting an apartment, or camping is available."

Common error

Avoid using "option of" when simply describing a possibility or potential without an explicit choice. Instead of "There's the option of rain tomorrow", use "There's a possibility of rain tomorrow" if no decision needs to be made.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "option of" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or noun phrase. It indicates that the noun it modifies represents a choice or possibility available to someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

17%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "option of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote a choice, a possibility, or an alternative. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness in written English. It is frequently encountered in news and media, science, and more informal contexts like wiki pages. When writing, it's important to differentiate between the scope of a real choice versus describing a mere possibility. Furthermore, the distinction between "option of" (followed by a noun/gerund) and "option to" (followed by a verb) is key to grammatical correctness. With related phrases like "possibility of" or ""choice of"" offering subtle semantic variations, choosing the right expression can significantly enhance clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

choice of

A more direct synonym, focusing on the act or power of choosing.

possibility of

Emphasizes the potential or likelihood rather than a defined choice.

chance of

Focuses on the probability or opportunity for something to occur.

alternative to

Highlights a substitute or different course of action available.

opportunity for

Stresses the availability of a favorable circumstance.

selection of

Implies a range from which to choose, rather than the act of choosing itself.

prospect of

Highlights the anticipation or outlook for a particular event.

the ability to

Shifts focus to the capacity or power to do something.

the potential for

Focuses on the inherent capacity for growth or development.

avenue for

Suggests a pathway or route to achieve a specific outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "option of" in a sentence?

Use "option of" to indicate a choice or possibility that is available. For instance, "Students have the "choice of" attending lectures in person or online."

What's the difference between "option of" and "possibility of"?

"Option of" implies a choice between alternatives, while "possibility of" simply indicates a potential event. For example, "They have the "option of" withdrawing their application" versus "There's a "possibility of" delays due to weather."

Which is correct: "option to" or "option of"?

"Option of" is typically followed by a noun or gerund, while "option to" is followed by a verb. For example, "They have the "option of" choosing" vs "They have the "option to" choose."

What can I say instead of "option of"?

You can use alternatives like ""choice of"", "possibility of", or "alternative to" depending on the context.