opt
B2Neutral, slightly formal. Common in written English and formal speech.
Definition
Meaning
To make a choice or decision from a range of possibilities.
Often used to describe selecting a specific option, especially when choosing between alternatives, subscribing to a service, or choosing a particular path.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Typically followed by the prepositions 'for', 'out', or 'in'. It implies a deliberate choice, often after consideration. The noun form 'option' is far more common.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is equally common and used identically in both varieties. Minor differences may exist in typical collocations or institutional contexts (e.g., 'opt out' of NHS vs. private insurance).
Connotations
Neutral in both. Slightly administrative or procedural connotation.
Frequency
Similar high frequency in both British and American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
opt + for + NPopt + to-infinitiveopt + out (of + NP)opt + in (to + NP)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “opt for the quiet life”
- “opt out of the rat race”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"Companies can opt for a premium subscription model."
Academic
"Participants could opt to withdraw from the study at any time."
Everyday
"I think I'll opt for the chocolate cake."
Technical
"Users must opt in to data collection in the software settings."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Many students opt for a gap year before university.
- You can opt out of receiving marketing emails.
American English
- We opted to drive instead of fly.
- Customers must opt in to the rewards program.
adverb
British English
- N/A for this headword.
American English
- N/A for this headword.
adjective
British English
- N/A for this headword.
American English
- N/A for this headword.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He opted for tea, not coffee.
- If you don't want the newsletter, you can opt out.
- After careful consideration, she opted to pursue a career in medicine.
- The government's proposal allows individual regions to opt out of the centralised scheme.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'OPT' as the first three letters of 'OPTion'. To OPT is to choose an OPTion.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHOOSING IS SELECTING A PATH (e.g., 'opt for the safer route').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'optimise' (оптимизировать). 'Opt' is strictly about choice (выбирать, предпочитать).
- The phrase 'opt out' is a fixed phrasal verb meaning 'to choose not to participate' (отказаться от участия).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'opt' without a following preposition ('I opted the blue one' is incorrect; correct: 'I opted for the blue one').
- Confusing 'opt in' (choose to join) with 'opt out' (choose to leave).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common preposition following 'opt' when selecting something?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral but common in formal, administrative, and written contexts. In very casual speech, 'choose' or 'go for' might be more frequent.
'Opt' often implies a choice between specific, pre-defined alternatives, especially in official contexts. 'Choose' is more general and universal.
Yes, when followed by a 'to'-infinitive (e.g., 'He opted to leave'). Otherwise, it usually requires 'for', 'in', or 'out'.
No, the related noun is 'option'. 'Opt' is only a verb.