predicament of choosing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "predicament of choosing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a difficult situation or dilemma involving decision-making. Example: "She found herself in the predicament of choosing between her dream job and her family's expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Nuisance laws undermine critical housing protections for survivors, placing them in the dangerous predicament of having to choose between enduring physical abuse on the one hand or facing eviction and homelessness of themselves and their children on the other," Sussman said, pointing to a recent report her organization authored on economic security for survivors.

Huffington Post

Barry, faced with this bizarre predicament, chose not to seek a fifth term.

Vice

The law lords paid great attention to the "dilemma" facing those in Purdy's predicament – where the risk of prosecution if her husband accompanies her could compromise her ability to have the death of her choosing.

The Guardian

Avast Photo Space Many of us have faced the predicament of running out of room on our phones and have been forced to choose pictures to delete.

The New York Times - Travel

Reeking of managerial sub-thinking, the words chosen to sum up the new policy also sum up the current predicament of the party as a whole: stuck in the middle, unambitious and lazy.

The Guardian

Intolerance is the predicament of our time.

The Guardian

More important, the predicate names the predicament of the subject.

The New York Times

It is an awful glimpse into his predicament, and the predicament of mortality.

The Guardian

It is hardly surprising that the Internet is full of forums where they discuss their predicament; the predicament of their compatriots at home; the predicament of fellow Muslims in Afghanistan, Syria or Iraq.

The New York Times

The predicament of the second defendant, Ryan D. Wagner, is different.

The New York Times

Another concerned a predicament of some sort in Alaska.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "predicament of choosing", ensure the context clearly establishes both the difficulty of the situation and the need to make a choice. The phrase is most effective when conveying a sense of being trapped or facing undesirable options.

Common error

Avoid using "predicament of choosing" when a simpler, more direct phrase like "difficult choice" or "challenging decision" would suffice. The phrase implies a significant and often undesirable dilemma, so reserve it for situations that warrant that level of gravity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "predicament of choosing" functions as a noun phrase. It typically identifies a specific state or situation characterized by the difficulty of making a decision, usually due to undesirable or complex options. Despite Ludwig AI suggesting this phrase is usable in written English, its limited occurrence might suggest a preference for simpler alternatives.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "predicament of choosing" describes a challenging situation where a decision must be made, often involving undesirable options. While grammatically correct, as Ludwig AI confirms, its relative infrequency suggests that simpler alternatives like "difficult choice" or "dilemma of selection" might be preferred in many contexts. The phrase is best reserved for situations where the difficulty and potentially negative consequences of the choice are significant. There are no authoritative sources available for this phrase, making it important to contextualize its use carefully. While grammatically sound and usable, its limited frequency highlights the availability of simpler, more direct alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dilemma of selection

Replaces "predicament" with "dilemma", emphasizing the difficult choice itself rather than the situation leading to it.

challenge of deciding

Uses "challenge" to highlight the difficulty and "deciding" to focus on the action of making a decision.

difficulty in selecting

Emphasizes the inherent difficulty encountered during the selection process.

problem of preference

Focuses on the issue arising when having to choose between multiple preferred options.

complex choice situation

Highlights the complexity of the situation where a choice must be made.

hard decision quandary

Uses 'quandary' to emphasize being in a state of perplexity or doubt about a choice

troublesome selection process

Focuses on the process itself being problematic due to the selection involved.

unfortunate need to choose

Highlights the negative aspect of being forced to make a choice, implying an undesirable situation.

awkward position of having to select

Emphasizes the discomfort or awkwardness associated with the act of choosing in a specific context.

uncomfortable situation requiring a decision

Highlights the discomfort stemming from a situation demanding a decision.

FAQs

How can I use "predicament of choosing" in a sentence?

You can use "predicament of choosing" to describe a difficult situation where someone must select between undesirable options. For example, "She found herself in the "dilemma of selection" when offered two equally unappealing jobs".

What can I say instead of "predicament of choosing"?

Alternatives include "dilemma of selection", "challenge of deciding", or "difficult choice". The best option depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "of" after "predicament" when discussing choices?

While not strictly mandatory, using "of" provides a clearer connection between the predicament and the act of choosing. Omitting "of" might make the phrase sound slightly less natural.

What's the difference between "predicament of choosing" and "difficult choice"?

"Predicament of choosing" emphasizes the overall challenging situation leading to the decision, while "difficult choice" simply highlights that the decision itself is not easy. The former implies a broader, often negative, context.