top choice

USAGE SUMMARY

"top choice" is correct and usable in written English.
You would use this phrase to indicate that something is the best or most highly favored option among a list of choices. For example, "I am considering several options for a new dining room table, but the solid oak one is my top choice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Amsterdam is another top choice.

The New York Times - Travel

The top choice?

The New York Times

(Ace of Base is a top choice).

The New York Times

My top choice was obvious: Vanderbilt University.

The New York Times

Top choice of U.S. News.

The New York Times

Fish are another top choice.

The New York Times - Arts

Boeing is my top choice employer.

Columbia University

But he was never Miami's top choice.

The New York Times - Sports

The top choice was Mr. Johnson.

The New York Times

The ThermoWorks ThermoPop is Wirecutter's top choice.

The New York Times - Food

Students do not always get offered their top choice.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "top choice" when clearly indicating a preference or ranking. For example, "After careful consideration, this university is my "top choice" for graduate studies."

Common error

Avoid using "top choice" when the context doesn't clearly establish a ranking or preference. For instance, instead of saying "This is a "top choice"", specify why it is preferred: "This is a "top choice" because of its affordability and features".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "top choice" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies the most preferred option from a set of possibilities. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "top choice" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote a preferred or highly ranked option. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. Related phrases include "preferred option" and "first choice". When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes a ranking or preference. Leading sources like The New York Times and Forbes frequently employ the expression, making it a versatile and reliable choice for writers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first choice

Synonymous, but uses "first" instead of "top".

number one selection

More emphatic, specifying the rank as number one.

preferred option

Focuses on preference rather than ranking.

leading selection

Emphasizes being ahead of other options.

primary pick

Highlights the act of choosing as the first option.

favored alternative

Highlights liking the other alternative more than the other options.

best bet

Indicates a high probability of success or satisfaction.

ideal option

Suggests the option is perfectly suited.

ultimate preference

Expresses a strong degree of liking.

prime candidate

Suggests suitability for a specific role or purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "top choice" in a sentence?

You can use "top choice" to indicate a preferred option among several possibilities. For example, "Among all candidates, she is our "top choice" for the position.".

What is a synonym for "top choice"?

Synonyms for "top choice" include "preferred option", "leading selection", or "first choice".

Is it correct to say "one of my top choices"?

Yes, "one of my top choices" is correct and indicates that something is among a group of preferred options. It suggests there are multiple items you highly favor.

What's the difference between "top choice" and "best option"?

"Top choice" usually implies a ranking or preference based on specific criteria, while "best option" suggests the most advantageous or suitable choice overall, considering all factors.