the only choice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the only choice' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a single option that someone has to pick from. For example, 'Choosing between the two options, he decided that the only choice was to stay in the city.'.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The only choice is to knuckle under.

The New Yorker

That's the only choice I have".

Independent

The only choice is Mr. Gingrich.

The New York Times

It seemed the only choice.

The Guardian

Attaching printers is not the only choice.

The New York Times

Abandoning the project seemed the only choice.

Harvard Business Review

Doing everything was not the only choice.

The Washington Post

"White is the only choice," he said.

The New York Times - Style

"The only choice is to go forward".

The New York Times

The only choice seems to be acceptance.

The New York Times - Food

That is the only choice there is.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the only choice" to clearly convey that there is a single option available, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "the only choice" when multiple options are genuinely available, as this can mislead the reader. Instead, clarify the constraints or reasons that make one option preferable or necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the only choice" functions as a determiner phrase identifying a singular option available. Ludwig examples show how it appears in various sentences to emphasize a lack of alternatives or options. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the only choice" is a versatile phrase used to express that there is a single option or course of action available. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It is frequently encountered in contexts such as News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business settings. When employing this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the absence of alternatives to avoid misleading the audience. Consider alternatives such as "the sole option" or "no other option" depending on the context. Being mindful of these considerations will enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the sole option

Replaces 'choice' with 'option', implying a single available possibility.

the only alternative

Substitutes 'choice' with 'alternative', focusing on the lack of other options.

the single possibility

Emphasizes that there is just one possibility that may happen, or that you could choose.

the one and only option

Adds emphasis to the uniqueness and exclusivity of the choice.

no other option

Directly states the absence of any other possibility.

the only recourse

Suggests that the choice is a necessary action in response to a difficult situation.

the only way out

Implies that the choice is a solution to escape a problem or predicament.

the only course of action

Frames the choice as a planned series of steps to achieve a goal.

the inevitable decision

Highlights the unavoidable nature of the choice, suggesting it's predetermined.

the solitary selection

Underlines the uniqueness and isolation of the selection to be made.

FAQs

How can I use "the only choice" in a sentence?

Use "the only choice" to indicate that there's no other possibility or alternative. For example, "Given the circumstances, staying was "the only choice"".

What phrases are similar to "the only choice"?

Similar phrases include "the sole option", "the only alternative", and "no other option", all conveying a lack of alternatives.

Is it correct to say "the only choice that I have"?

Yes, it's correct. Adding "that I have" provides more context. For instance, "Given my limited resources, that was "the only choice" that I had".

What's the difference between "the best choice" and "the only choice"?

"The best choice" implies there are multiple options, but one is superior. "The only choice" indicates no other options exist. They are not interchangeable; use "the best choice" when there is optionality.