problem of choice

USAGE SUMMARY

"problem of choice" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to a difficult decision or dilemma that involves making a choice between two or more options. Example: The problem of choice arises when deciding between pursuing one's passion or choosing a practical career path.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

At the heart of the Scottish independence referendum is the philosophical problem of choice.

The Guardian - Opinion

But just imagine if we were free of the problem of choice.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A central problem of choice is what Wilson and Gilbert call "miswanting".

The New Yorker

And sometimes the nature of the writer's oeuvre creates a problem of choice.

The Guardian - Books

This creates the classic problem of choice: how do you decide among an effectively infinite number of options?

The New York Times - Magazine

Here, Susan tackles the very human problem of choice among conflicting values, championing our ability to choose rationally, despite the presence of such conflicts.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

But there are significant problems of choice and agency.

The Guardian - Tech

The problems of choice are equalled only by those of criteria.

The Guardian - Books

Who would be your literary problem solver of choice?

The Guardian - Books

A problem of methodology choice for engineering education is considered.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Overtime, two factors will help solve the problem of the choice: search engines and manual curation.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the overwhelming nature of options, use "problem of choice" to highlight the negative impact of excessive choices on decision-making and satisfaction.

Common error

Avoid using "problem of choice" when simply referring to a difficult decision. Ensure that the situation involves a dilemma specifically arising from an abundance of options, rather than a general difficulty in making a decision with limited alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "problem of choice" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It encapsulates the difficulties and negative consequences associated with having an abundance of options. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

31%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "problem of choice" describes the challenges arising from having too many options. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used. It functions as a noun phrase and commonly appears in News & Media, Science, and Academia. This phrase captures the difficulties and potential negative consequences of abundant choices, ranging from analysis paralysis to decreased satisfaction. Alternatives include "choice overload" and "burden of selection". The key is to use it when specifically referring to issues stemming from an abundance of options, not simply a difficult decision. When facing the "problem of choice", remember to set clear criteria and limit your options for more effective decision-making.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decision-making difficulty

Focuses on the difficulty aspect, omitting the explicit mention of "choice".

choice overload

Highlights the feeling of being overwhelmed by too many options.

burden of selection

Emphasizes the negative aspect of having to choose.

dilemma of selection

Highlights the dilemma aspect, changing "problem" to "dilemma".

predicament of choosing

Emphasizes the difficult situation of needing to choose.

complexity of decisions

Focuses on the complexity involved, rather than the problem itself.

challenge of options

Emphasizes the difficulty in navigating multiple available options.

difficulty in deciding

Shifts the focus to the act of deciding and its inherent difficulty.

paradox of choice

Implies that more choices can lead to less satisfaction.

the tyranny of choice

Suggests that abundant choice can be oppressive.

FAQs

How can the "problem of choice" affect decision-making?

The "problem of choice" can lead to analysis paralysis, decreased satisfaction, and increased stress as individuals struggle to evaluate numerous options. This can result in delayed decisions or suboptimal outcomes.

What is the "paradox of choice", and how does it relate to the "problem of choice"?

The "paradox of choice" is closely related to the "problem of choice" and suggests that while more options may seem desirable, they can actually lead to less satisfaction and more difficulty in making a decision. The "paradox of choice" highlights the counterintuitive nature of abundant options.

What are some strategies for overcoming the "problem of choice"?

Strategies for overcoming the "problem of choice" include setting clear criteria, limiting options, satisficing (choosing a "good enough" option rather than striving for the absolute best), and focusing on personal values and priorities.

When is it appropriate to use the term "problem of choice" in writing?

Use "problem of choice" when you want to emphasize the challenges, anxieties, or negative consequences that arise from having too many options. This phrase is particularly relevant in discussions about consumer behavior, decision-making psychology, and social issues related to abundance and complexity.