to make choices

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to make choices" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of selecting or deciding between options or alternatives. Example: "In life, we are often faced with difficult situations that require us to make choices that can impact our future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We need to make choices.

The New York Times

You have to make choices".

The New York Times - Sports

Freedom is the opportunity to make choices.

The New York Times

"Ultimately you have to make choices".

The New York Times

We should not have to make choices.

The New York Times

Pollsters have to make choices.

The New York Times

You got to make choices".

The New York Times - Magazine

We have to make choices.

The New York Times

"They have to make choices.

The New York Times - Sports

We still need to make choices.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

They struggle to make choices and decisions.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to make choices" to emphasize the agency and responsibility involved in decision-making. This highlights the individual's power to influence outcomes.

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences in a way that obscures who is making the choices. For example, instead of saying 'Choices have to be made', specify 'We need to make choices' to maintain clarity and accountability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to make choices" functions as an infinitive, often acting as a noun or adverb. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across diverse contexts, serving to introduce actions requiring selection among alternatives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

22%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Science

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to make choices" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that signifies the act of deciding between different options. As Ludwig AI has shown, it appears across a broad spectrum of contexts, from news and media to academic and business settings. While grammatically straightforward, the effectiveness of its usage lies in ensuring clarity regarding who is making the choices and the significance of those decisions. By considering alternatives like "to make decisions" or "to select options", writers can refine their language for greater precision. Keep in mind that while the phrase is common, it's important not to overuse it in passive constructions, as this can obscure accountability. Ludwig also confirms its correctness and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

To make decisions

This alternative focuses on the act of deciding, emphasizing the cognitive process involved.

To select options

This phrase highlights the selection process from a set of available possibilities.

To exercise discretion

This implies a careful and considered approach to making choices, often in a professional or ethical context.

To determine preferences

This focuses on identifying and acting upon one's own likes or dislikes.

To opt for alternatives

This suggests choosing from a range of different possibilities, often implying a deviation from the norm.

To establish priorities

This highlights the process of ranking options based on importance.

To define strategies

This alternative focuses on the choices made when planning and executing a course of action.

To come to a conclusion

This implies a reasoning process ending with a decision.

To take a course of action

This focuses on the result of a choice: acting following a decision.

To set a direction

This implies setting goals and acting in a way that leads to achieving them.

FAQs

How can I use "to make choices" in a sentence?

You can use "to make choices" when discussing the act of selecting or deciding between options or alternatives. For instance, "In life, we are often faced with difficult situations that require us "to make choices" that can impact our future."

What are some alternatives to saying "to make choices"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to make decisions", "to select options", or "to exercise discretion".

Is it better to say "to make a choice" or "to make choices"?

The choice between "to make a choice" and "to make choices" depends on whether you are referring to a single decision or multiple decisions. Use "to make a choice" when referring to a singular decision and "to make choices" when referring to multiple decisions or the general act of deciding between options.

What is the difference between "to make choices" and "to have choices"?

"To make choices" implies the act of deciding between available options, while "to have choices" refers to the availability of options. For example, "It's important "to make choices" that align with your values when you "to have choices" in life".