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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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Were i to choose

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'were i to choose' is correct and usable in written English
You can use this phrase to express a hypothetical situation. For example, "Were I to choose between the two options, I would take the latter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Were I to choose a favorite work in Wilson's magisterial 10-play cycle, "Joe Turner's Come and Gone" would likely be the pick, the masterpiece of masterpieces.

News & Media

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The truth is, I needed to choose myself first.

News & Media

Huffington Post

It never hurts to check yourself by asking, Why am I choosing to identify this way?

News & Media

Vice

What happened with me is I chose to go on an 18-month sabbatical around 2000.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Why am I choosing to bear my tattoos?

News & Media

Huffington Post

The fact is, I chose to be employed by them, and I'm representing their company.

News & Media

Vice

If they aren't true, why am I choosing to believe them?

News & Media

Huffington Post

The thing is, I chose to live in London right now.

News & Media

Vice

The crucial thing is I choose not to.

News & Media

Independent

This is because I was allowed to choose who I would introduce in advance.

News & Media

The Guardian

"I'm trying to choose stuff that I can be proud of," explains Rock.

News & Media

Independent
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

✓ Best practice

Use "were i to choose" when expressing a hypothetical preference or selection, particularly in formal or literary contexts. It's a more emphatic and less common alternative to "if I were to choose".

⚠ Common error

Avoid using "were i to choose" in casual conversation. It can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "if I had to choose" or "if it were up to me" in informal settings.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were i to choose" functions as a conditional clause, expressing a hypothetical situation. It introduces a condition that, if met, would lead to a particular outcome or preference. This usage aligns with the examples provided by Ludwig, where the phrase sets up a hypothetical selection.

Expression frequency: Rare

✓ Frequent in

News & Media

100%

⚠ Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were i to choose" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for expressing a hypothetical selection or preference. However, as Ludwig highlights, it's relatively rare and best suited for formal contexts. Consider simpler alternatives in casual settings. As verified by Ludwig AI, the phrase functions as a conditional clause. Its usage is most prevalent in news and media sources. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and register of your writing to avoid sounding overly formal.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "were i to choose"?

The phrase "were i to choose" is best suited for formal writing or speech when expressing a hypothetical choice or preference. It adds a touch of sophistication and emphasis.

What's a simpler way to say "were i to choose"?

For less formal contexts, you could use alternatives like "if I had to choose" or "if it were up to me". These options convey a similar meaning without the formality.

Is "were i to choose" grammatically correct?

Yes, "were i to choose" is grammatically correct. It's an example of inverted conditional sentence structure, often used in formal English.

What's the difference between "if I were to choose" and "were i to choose"?

The difference is primarily stylistic. "Were i to choose" is more formal and emphasizes the hypothetical nature of the choice. "If I were to choose" is more common and slightly less emphatic.

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Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: