What is choice? Pronunciation and usage in English

choice means . Learn how to pronounce and use choice through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of choice

choicenoun

/tʃɔɪs/
Definition & pronunciation of choice

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "choice" in English. It's a tricky one for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and widely accepted pronunciation is:

  • ˈʃoɪs (sh-oyes)

Let's break that down further:

  • ˈʃo - This is the stressed syllable. You say it with a "sh" sound, like in "shoe" or "ship." This is the key part of the pronunciation.
  • ɪ - This is a short "i" sound, like in "bit" or "sit."
  • -s - This is a silent "s" at the end. It's a common feature of English pronunciation.

Here's a more detailed phonetic breakdown (using the International Phonetic Alphabet - IPA):

ˈʃoɪs

Tips for getting it right:

  • Focus on the "sh" sound: This is the most important element. Practice saying "sh" repeatedly.
  • Short "i" sound: Keep the "i" sound quick and brief. Don't let it stretch out.
  • Silent "s": Don't add an extra "s" sound at the end.

Resources to hear it:

  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/choice/ – This website allows you to hear native speakers pronounce the word.
  • Google Translate: Type "choice" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon.

To help me tailor my response, would you like me to:

  • Give you some example sentences to practice with?
  • Explain any specific part of the pronunciation you're struggling with?

Usage and examples with the word choice in English

Let's break down how to use the word "choice" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word! Here's a breakdown of its different uses and how to incorporate it into your sentences:

1. As a Noun (Most Common Usage):

  • Definition: A selection or option among several possibilities. It’s something you pick from a group.

  • Examples:

    • "I have a choice of restaurants tonight." (Meaning: I have several restaurants to choose from.)
    • "She made a difficult choice between staying and leaving." (Meaning: She had to select one difficult option.)
    • "You have the choice to study or go out with friends." (Meaning: You can choose between these two.)
    • "He faced a moral choice." (Meaning: He had to make a decision based on what was right or wrong.)

2. As a Verb (Less Common, but Important):

  • Definition: To select or decide upon something. It’s the act of making a choice.

  • Examples:

    • "I will choose the blue shirt." (Meaning: I will select the blue shirt.)
    • "She decided to choose a different career path." (Meaning: She made the decision to select a different career path.)
    • "Don't just choose anything; think about what you really want." (Meaning: Don't just pick something randomly; consider your desires.)

3. Phrases and Idioms Using "Choice":

  • "A matter of choice": This means something is a decision to be made, not an obligation. "Whether you come to the party is a matter of choice."

  • "To have a choice": To be given an option. “I had a choice of flights, but they were all expensive.”

  • "To make a choice": To select from options. "He's struggling to make a choice about his future."

  • "A limited choice": Meaning there aren’t many options available. “There was a limited choice of drinks at the bar.”

4. Grammatical Notes:

  • Plural: The plural of "choice" is "choices." (e.g., "I have many choices.")

  • Singular vs. Plural: Pay attention to the context. “I made a choice,” versus “I have several choices.”

Tips for Using "Choice" Effectively:

  • Combine with “between” or “among”: These words clearly indicate that there are multiple options.

    • "I need to choose between going to the beach or visiting my grandparents." (Between indicates two options)
    • "He had to choose among several candidates for the job." (Among indicates more than two options)

  • Use it to show deliberation: "She carefully considered her choices before making a decision."

Let's test your understanding! Can you use "choice" in a sentence? (I'll provide feedback if you'd like!) Or, do you want me to give you some example sentences with different nuances of the word "choice"?

Synonyms for the word choice

Idioms of the word choice

be spoilt for choice
(British English)to have such a lot of things to choose from that it is very difficult to make a decision
    by choice
    because you have chosen
    • I wouldn't go there by choice.
    • I wouldn't have come to this bar by choice!
    of choice (for somebody/something)
    that is chosen by a particular group of people or for a particular purpose
    • It's the software of choice for business use.
    of your choice
    that you choose yourself
    • First prize will be a meal for two at the restaurant of your choice.
    you pays your money and you takes your choice
    (informal, especially British English)used for saying that there is very little difference between two or more things that you can choose

      Practice with vocabulary choice

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. Making the right ______ can significantly impact your career trajectory.
      2. The restaurant offers a wide ______ of vegetarian dishes for customers.
      3. She had to ______ between staying late at work or attending her friend's party.
      4. The committee discussed the ______ of venues for the annual conference.

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

      1. What is the best word to complete this sentence? "Students are given the ______ to select their preferred courses."
        a. decision
        b. choice
        c. option
        d. selection

      2. Which word does not fit in this sentence? "The ______ to relocate was difficult, but it was necessary for her career."
        a. choice
        b. decision
        c. opportunity
        d. resolution

      3. What word best replaces "selection" in this sentence? "The ______ of colors for the new design was impressive."
        a. variety
        b. choice
        c. preference
        d. option

      4. Which word is a synonym for "alternative"?
        a. option
        b. selection
        c. decision
        d. opportunity

      5. What is the best word to complete this sentence? "She made a thoughtful ______ after considering all the pros and cons."
        a. choice
        b. idea
        c. plan
        d. suggestion

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. Original: "The team discussed the options for the project."
        Rewrite: "The team discussed the ______ for the project."

      2. Original: "He decided to take the job in another city."
        Rewrite: "He made the ______ to take the job in another city."

      3. Original: "The manager evaluated the alternatives before making a decision."
        Rewrite: "The manager evaluated the ______ before making a decision."

      Answer:

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. choice
      2. selection
      3. choose
      4. choice

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

      1. b. choice
      2. c. opportunity
      3. b. choice
      4. a. option
      5. a. choice

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. The team discussed the choice for the project.
      2. He made the choice to take the job in another city.
      3. The manager evaluated the options before making a decision.

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