we opted

USAGE SUMMARY

'we opted' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used in the form "We opted [for/to] [something]" and is usually used to indicate that a certain decision was made. For example: "We opted to take the long route home, as it would give us a chance to enjoy the scenery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We opted for heat.

The New York Times

We opted for the latter.

The New York Times - Travel

We opted for gentler trails.

The New York Times - Travel

So we opted to do that.

The Guardian

We opted for the beef and tofu.

The New York Times

We opted for salad and fresh salmon.

The New York Times - Travel

So we opted for easier routes.

The New York Times - Travel

At Stickyboard, we opted for equity raise using Crowdcube's platform.

The Guardian

We opted to adopt from Russia almost by default.

The Guardian - Opinion

We opted for the Shushinkan, a local brewer.

The New York Times - Travel

We opted for the latter: the Pousada de Torreira-Murtosa.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we opted" when you want to clearly state that a deliberate choice was made between two or more possibilities. It adds a sense of intentionality to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "opted" passively (e.g., "it was opted"). "Opt" is an active verb, and using it passively can lead to awkward or unclear sentence constructions. Instead, restructure the sentence to clearly show who made the decision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we opted" functions as a verb phrase indicating a decision or choice made by a group (represented by "we"). It highlights the selection of one option over others, as Ludwig's examples demonstrate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we opted" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to express a decision-making process. According to Ludwig, this phrase is most commonly found in news and scientific contexts, indicating its suitability for both formal and neutral registers. When using this expression, it's important to ensure clarity regarding the alternatives considered and to avoid passive voice constructions. As shown by Ludwig's AI, the frequency of "we opted" deems it a "very common" expression, suggesting a high degree of familiarity and acceptance in diverse writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we decided

Direct synonym, simply stating a decision was made. Less emphasis on choosing between options.

we chose

Similar to "we opted", but slightly more common and less formal. Emphasizes selection.

we elected

Implies a more formal selection process, almost like a vote or official decision.

we resolved

Suggests a firm decision to address a problem or achieve a goal.

we determined

Implies careful consideration and reaching a conclusion.

we came to the conclusion

More verbose, highlighting the process of arriving at a decision.

we favored

Indicates a preference for one option over others.

we went with

Informal way of saying "we chose". More conversational.

we settled on

Suggests reaching an agreement or compromise.

we gravitated towards

Implies a natural inclination or preference leading to the decision.

FAQs

How do I use "we opted" in a sentence?

The phrase "we opted" is generally followed by "for" and a noun phrase or "to" and a verb phrase, such as "We opted for the blue car" or "We opted to stay home tonight".

What's the difference between "we opted" and "we chose"?

While similar, "we opted" often suggests a more deliberate or formal selection process than "we chose". You can use alternatives like "we decided", or "we selected".

Is it correct to say "we opted to" or "we opted for"?

Both are correct, but they are followed by different grammatical structures. "We opted to" is followed by a verb (e.g., "We opted to proceed with the plan"), while "we opted for" is followed by a noun or noun phrase (e.g., "We opted for the smaller model").

What are some more formal alternatives to "we opted"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "we elected", "we determined", or "we resolved". These phrases imply a more structured decision-making process.