Talking about Choices in English

Talking About Choices in English: Vocabulary, Idioms, Phrasal Verbs & Examples

Every day, we make choices — from small, simple ones like what to eat for breakfast to big, life-changing ones like choosing a career or moving to another country. Some decisions are easy. Others are difficult, emotional, and stay with us for years. English has rich and precise language for talking about choices, decisions, doubts, risks, and regrets. In this lesson, you will learn the most useful words, collocations, phrasal verbs, and idioms, each with clear meanings and example sentences. This is especially useful for Cambridge exams (B2 First, C1 Advanced) and for sounding natural in real life.

Basic words for talking about choices

Choose

Meaning: to select one thing from two or more possibilities.

She chose the blue dress instead of the red one.

Decide

Meaning: to make a choice after thinking about it.

He decided to accept the job offer.

Pick (informal)

Meaning: to choose something, usually in a quick or casual way.

Just pick whichever one you like.

Go for (informal, very common)

Meaning: to choose something from several options.

I think I’ll go for the chicken rather than the fish.

Collocations with “choice” and “decision”

Make a choice

Meaning: to choose between options.

You have to make a choice sooner or later.

Have no choice

Meaning: there is no alternative; you must do it.

I had no choice but to cancel the trip.

A difficult/tough choice        

Meaning: a choice that is hard to make emotionally or practically.

Leaving my hometown was a very tough choice.

A wise/sensible/poor choice

Meaning: a good or bad decision.              

It turned out to be a very wise choice.

Make a decision                 

Meaning: to decide something formally or seriously.

Have you made a decision yet?

Reach a decision

Meaning: to finally decide after discussion or thought.            

After hours of talking, they reached a decision.

A snap decision

Meaning: a decision made very quickly, without much thought.

I made a snap decision and immediately regretted it.

A life-changing decision

Meaning: a decision that changes your life in an important way.

Moving abroad was a life-changing decision for her.

Talking about difficult choices and dilemmas

Be torn between A and B

Meaning: to find it very hard to choose between two things.

I’m torn between staying here and moving abroad.

Talking about choices in English

Be in two minds

Meaning: to be unsure and unable to decide.

I’m in two minds about changing jobs.

Face a dilemma

Meaning: to be in a situation where both choices are difficult.

She faced a moral dilemma: tell the truth or protect her friend.

Weigh up the pros and cons

Meaning: to consider the advantages and disadvantages.

I need to weigh up the pros and cons before deciding.

Sleep on it

Meaning: to wait until the next day before deciding.

Let me sleep on it and give you my answer tomorrow.

 

Phrasal verbs for choices and decisions

Go for

Meaning: to choose something.

He went for the cheaper option.

Rule out

Meaning: to decide that something is impossible or not suitable.

We can rule out buying a house this year.

Stick with

Meaning: to continue with a decision or plan.

I’ll stick with my original idea.

End up

Meaning: to finally do something, often unexpectedly.

I couldn’t decide, so I ended up choosing the third option.

Back out (of something)

Meaning: to decide not to do something you had agreed to do.

He backed out of the deal at the last moment.

Opt for (more formal)

Meaning: to choose something.

Many students opt for studying abroad.

Idioms about choices and decisions

Be at a crossroads

Meaning: to be at an important point in life where you must choose between different paths.

He’s at a crossroads in his career.

Take the plunge

Meaning: to finally do something difficult or risky.

She took the plunge and started her own business.

Go with your gut

Meaning: to follow your instinct rather than logic.

I went with my gut and accepted the offer.

Sit on the fence

Meaning: to avoid making a decision.

He’s sitting on the fence and refusing to choose sides.

A no-brainer

Meaning: a choice that is very easy and obvious.

Accepting that job was a no-brainer.

Roll the dice

Meaning: to take a risk.

He rolled the dice and invested all his savings.

Talking about choices in English

Talking about consequences and responsibility

Deal with the consequences

Meaning: to accept and handle the results of your actions.

You made the decision; now you have to deal with the consequences.

Take responsibility for

Meaning: to accept that something is your fault or your duty.

She took responsibility for her mistake.

Pay the price

Meaning: to suffer because of a bad decision.

He paid the price for his careless choices.

Live with your decision

Meaning: to accept your decision and its results.

There’s no going back now. You’ll have to live with your decision.

Talking about regret and second thoughts

Regret doing something

Meaning: to feel sorry about something you did in the past.

I regret leaving school so early.

Have second thoughts

Meaning: to start doubting a decision.

I’m having second thoughts about moving.

Wish I had/hadn’t

Meaning: to express regret about the past.

I wish I had listened to your advice.

Should have / shouldn’t have

Meaning: to criticise or regret a past action.

I should have thought more carefully.

Useful exam-style phrases (with meanings)

Take something into account

Meaning: to consider something before deciding.

You should take all factors into account.

The advantages outweigh the disadvantages

Meaning: the benefits are bigger than the problems.

In the end, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

From a long-term perspective

Meaning: thinking about the future, not just now.

From a long-term perspective, this is a smart decision.

Final thought

Making choices is part of life. Talking about them clearly, precisely, and naturally is part of good English.

The better your vocabulary for decisions, doubts, risks, and regrets, the more confident, fluent, and convincing you will sound — in exams and in real life.

And remember that some choices are difficult. Some are risky. But learning better English?

That one is a no-brainer. 😉

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