What does the phrasal verb “opt for” mean?

What are the definitions of “opt for”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Choose.

  I OPTED FOR an endowment mortgage and lost a lot of money.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “opt for”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb opt for is to choose or decide on something among various options. It is often used when making decisions or selecting preferences.

What are the different verb forms of “opt for”?

Root Verb	opt for
Third Person Singular Present	opts for
Present Participle	opting for
Simple Past	opted for
Past Participle	opted for

Example

When faced with the menu, she opted for the vegetarian dish.

Example

He always opts for the window seat on flights.

Example

They are opting for a more eco-friendly lifestyle.

Example

Last year, we opted for a beach vacation instead of a city trip.

Example

She had opted for the blue dress for the party.

What kind of phrasal verb is “opt for”?

📝

Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“opt for” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

I opted for the chocolate cake.

Example

She opted for a different route to avoid traffic.

📝

Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“opt for” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

I opted for the chocolate cake.

Example

She opted for a different route to avoid traffic.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “opt for”?

Opt for something over something

To choose one option over another.

Example

She opted for the salad over the burger for a healthier meal.

Opt for something instead of something

To choose one option as a replacement for another.

Example

They opted for a staycation instead of traveling abroad due to the pandemic.

Opt for something in favor of something

To choose one option because it is more desirable or advantageous than another.

Example

He opted for public transportation in favor of driving to reduce his carbon footprint.

Good things to know

Does “opt for” have an informal or formal tone?

Opt for is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings such as business meetings, academic discussions, or written documents.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “opt for”?

Synonyms

• choose
• select
• pick
• prefer
• decide on
• go for

Antonyms

• reject
• refuse
• disregard
• ignore
• overlook
• decline