What is a choice? According to Robert’s definition, it is the “decision by which one gives preference to one thing, one possibility while discarding others”. This avoids 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. Ending up with two similar options.
The same confusion exists with regard to the word alternative. “In French, the alternative name designates a set of two solutions, and not, as in English, each of the possibilities among which one can choose”, explains the Quebec Office of the French language. Widespread, the use of alternatives in this sense is criticized by many books. 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, we can for example speak of an alternative solution, an alternative solution, an option, an (another) possibility, a way, a way out. Choose between two possibilities: leave or stay.
The word dilemma (not “dilemma”) can also be used in some contexts, although it does not quite have the same meaning as alternative. It designates “a difficult situation in which one must choose between two different possibilities, but leading to the same always regrettable result”, underlines the Multidictionary, which specifies that for an alternative, the result can be happy or unhappy.
To avoid the expression “to have no choice but”, modeled on the English to have no choice but, one may prefer expressions such as being compelled, constrained, required to do something, forced, obliged, to be in the obligation to, must, only be able to, not be able to do otherwise than. The minister was forced to respond. She could only obey. I couldn’t help but go. He had to face opposition. To be forced to leave, forced to go. I have no other choice but to leave.
Many people confuse the adjectives drastic and draconian. Can you explain the difference between the two?
The adjective drastic used as a synonym of 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 such as energetic, constraining, implacable, inflexible, ruthless, radical, rigorous, severe or strict.
This is what we still do at La Presse, to avoid being blamed for a fault that is no longer quite a fault.
However, we should beware of reprimanding those who prefer drasticism by telling them that this word only designates a violent purgative.
Some works, such as the Larousse and the Robert, still indicate that the adjective, used to designate what is “of a binding rigor; very rigorous, draconian” comes from English, but the dictionary of the French Academy does not. It simply reads: “2. Very rigorous, very constraining.” “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 can 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 in the sense of draconian, rigorous, radical, energetic. »
The Usito Dictionary notes that “the use of drastic in this sense is generally not criticized in France.”
