voluntary option

USAGE SUMMARY

"voluntary option" is a correct and commonly used expression in written English.
You could use it to refer to an avenue of choice that an individual has that is not mandatory. For example, "The company is offering a voluntary option to its employees to receive additional vacation days."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

(Taco Bell says it "offers direct deposit and a voluntary option of payroll cards as an added convenience" for employees).

The New York Times

Not only do I meet with them, I have chosen to allow our employees the very same voluntary option.

Princeton University

Counseling within the Police Department is offered as a voluntary option for troubled officers and, in some cases, is mandatory, said Paul J. Browne, a police spokesman.

The New York Times

A Delta spokesman, John Kennedy, said that while the move could be seen as a threat to the traditional cultural boundaries separating work life and home life, working remotely would be a voluntary option.

The New York Times

American health officials said last week that they have been mulling over whether they should offer circumcision as a voluntary option for infants and even adult men who are at risk for HIV.

The New York Times

Working at home should be an entirely voluntary option, to be used only where it is convenient and desirable for the individual worker as well as for the firm.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

They are provided as a series of voluntary options.

Cornell University

The council is aiming to avoid compulsory redundancies, with jobs being lost through voluntary options and early retirement.

BBC

Some reported that promoting voluntary options were not prioritised.

BMC Health Services Research

Empirical research findings have been increasingly revealing that the HIV test options presented to pregnant women are biased: no true voluntary options to accept or turn down the test, most clients directly or indirectly coerced to take the test and the quality of the informed consent process described generally as poor [ 17, 25, 46], 41].

BMC Medical Ethics

Remember family protections by voluntary options like your obtaining filtering programs for your and other children's protection from objectionable materials.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "voluntary option" to clearly indicate that a choice is not mandatory and is based on an individual's free will.

Common error

Avoid using "voluntary option" when the choice is presented as the only available path. "Voluntary" implies a genuine alternative exists, while "optional" simply means it's not required, even if no other choice is offered.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "voluntary option" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes a choice or possibility that an individual is free to make or not make. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and commonly used expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

27%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

7%

Unknown

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "voluntary option" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote a choice that is not mandatory. As Ludwig AI highlights, it’s employed across diverse fields such as news, academia, and science, ensuring clarity and emphasizing freedom of choice. When using this phrase, remember that its strength lies in conveying a non-compulsory alternative, differentiating it from requirements or situations lacking genuine choice. Consider alternatives such as "optional selection" or "elective choice" to add variety to your writing. The phrase's register is generally neutral, fitting for various communication styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

voluntary alternative

A direct synonym, emphasizing the non-mandatory nature of the other choice.

optional selection

Emphasizes the act of choosing from available possibilities, with the decision being non-compulsory.

elective choice

Highlights that the decision is a matter of personal preference or election.

discretionary alternative

Stresses that the decision is based on one's own judgment or discretion.

non-compulsory route

Focuses on the freedom to choose a path that is not mandatory.

unforced decision

Highlights the absence of external pressure or coercion in making the choice.

permissive possibility

Suggests an opportunity that is allowed but not required.

willing selection

Indicates a choice made out of one's own volition and willingness.

free will choice

Emphasizes the element of free will in the decision-making process.

self-determined path

Highlights that the course of action is chosen independently.

FAQs

How can I use "voluntary option" in a sentence?

You can use "voluntary option" to describe something that is not required, such as, "The company offers a "voluntary option" for employees to participate in the wellness program."

What's a good alternative to "voluntary option"?

Depending on the context, alternatives like "elective choice", "optional selection", or "discretionary alternative" can be used.

Is it redundant to say "completely voluntary option"?

While "voluntary" already implies a lack of compulsion, "completely voluntary option" can be used for emphasis if you want to highlight the total absence of any pressure or requirement.

What is the difference between "voluntary option" and "mandatory requirement"?

"Voluntary option" indicates a choice that is not required, while "mandatory requirement" signifies something that must be done. They are opposites.