What is a choice? According to the definition of Robert, it is the “decision by which one gives preference to one thing, one possibility while discarding the others”. We then avoid writing “I have two choices”.
Make your choice. To have the choice. He had no choice. We leave him the following choice. There are only two possibilities. Examine the different possible options. Finding yourself faced with two similar options.
The same confusion exists with regard to the word alternative. “In French, the name alternative designates a set of two solutions, and not, as in English, each of the possibilities from which one can choose,” explains the Office québécois de la langue française. Widespread, the use ofalternative in this sense is criticized by many works. The word designates a set of two possibilities between which it is necessary to choose and must be used in the singular, specifies on this subject the Multidictionary of the French language.
We are faced with an alternative when we have two possibilities, two options. His only alternative was to apologize or resign.
To replace alternative in its faulty sense, one can for example speak of a Alternative solutionof a alternativeof a optionof a (other) possibilityof a wayof a issue. Choose between two possibilities: leave or stay.
Word dilemma (and not “dilemma”) can also be used in certain contexts, even if it does not have quite the same meaning asalternative. It designates “a difficult situation in which one must choose between two different possibilities, but leading to the same and always regrettable result”, underlines the Multidictionarywhich specifies that for an alternative, the result can be happy or unhappy.
To avoid the phrase “having no choice but ”, modeled on the English to have no choice but, we can prefer expressions like to be compelled, constrained, obliged to do something, strength, obligatory, to be under an obligation to, duty, can only, cannot do otherwise. The minister was forced to respond. She could only obey. I couldn’t help but go there. He had to face opposition. To be forced to leave, forced to go. I have no other option but to leave.
Drastic Or draconian ?
Many people confuse adjectives drastic And draconian. Can you explain the difference between the two?
Answer
The adjective drastic used as a synonym for draconian, under the influence of English, has long been condemned in this sense. This use is still discouraged by some sources, who still see it as an Anglicism.
If we want to express ourselves more carefully, we can prefer draconian or other adjectives like energetic, constraining, relentless, inflexible, ruthless, radical, rigorous, severe Or strict.
That’s what we still do The Pressto avoid being blamed for a fault that is no longer quite a fault.
However, we should be careful not to include those who prefer drastic telling them that this word designates only a violent purgative.
Some works, such as Larousse and the Robert, further indicate that the adjective, used to designate what is “of compelling rigor; very rigorous, draconian” comes from English, but this is not the case with the dictionary of the French Academy. It simply reads: “2. Very rigorous, very restrictive. » A drastic settlement. Take drastic measures against speculation.
The dictionary also points out that the adjective draconian “is not said of people, but only of their attitude or their decisions”. Laws, measures, draconian conditions. A draconian contract. The remark may also apply to drastic.
The Translation Bureau of the Government of Canada’s Writing Keys tool writes: “Long condemned as Anglicism, the adjective drastic is now accepted within the meaning of draconian, rigorous, radical, energetic. »
The dictionary Usito points out that “the use of drastic in this sense is generally not criticized in France”.