choice是“选择”,option是“选项”,选择可以是无限的,不固定的,而选项是有限的。比如,大学毕业生走向社会,他们的choices是many, many的,理论上讲是无限的,做什么都可以,什么都可以去试。
option和choice,两者均有选择的意思,从中文意义上很难分辨两者的区别,我们从其英文含义及用法上进行辨析。
一、option和choice的相同点
1. 当option表示[可数]power or freedom of choosing,相当于choice(right or possibility of choosing; act of choosing between two or more possibilities),表示“挑选;选择权”
例句:
have little option=not much choice 没有多少选择的余地
I haven't much option(=choice) in the matter. 在这件事情上我无可选择。
I have little option(=choice) but to go, ie I have to go. 我别无选择只好走。
2. 当option表示[可数]thing that is or may be chosen,相当于choice( one of two or more possibilities from which sb may choose),表示“可供选择的事物”
Make a list of the various options(=choices). 列出可供选择的项目.
He was given one month's imprisonment without the option (=choice/alternative) of a fine. 他被判监禁一个月, 不得以罚款相抵
二、option和choice的不同点
1. option (on sth) (commerce 商) right to buy or sell sth at a certain price within a certain time (按其价格在规定期限内买或卖某物的)选择权:
an option on a package holiday 包价旅游选择权
have an option on a piece of land 有买卖一地皮的选择权
We have a 12-day option on the house. 我们是否购买那所房子有12天的选择权.
在这里,choice不能替换option。
2. 相关的习语
1) option
keep/leave one's options open: avoid making a decision now, so that one still has a choice later 暂不作决定; 留有选择余地:
Don't take the job now keep your options open until you leave university. 先别接受这份工作--暂时保留选择权, 到离开这所大学再说.
在这里,不是keep/leave one's choices。
2)choice
(1)out of/from choice willingly 愿意地
He helps her out of choice 他出于自愿帮助她。
(2)for choice宁可
I will take French for choice. 要选的话我就选法语。
(3)of one's choice 某人所选定的
First prize in the competition will be a meal at the restaurant of your choice. 获头奖者可自选饭店用一餐。
(4)be spoilt for choice 因供选择的事物过多而无从下手
3. option: one of the things that you can choose to do in a particular situation
He basically has two options: he can have the surgery, or he can give up playing football.
他有两个选择:一是接受手术,二是放弃足球。