No choice but to do vs No choice but doing

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'No choice but to do' is more commonly used and is considered more formal. 'No choice but doing' is also correct but less common and may sound a bit awkward to some native speakers.

Last updated: April 13, 2024 • 79 views

No choice but to do

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to express that there is no alternative but to do something. It is considered more formal.

Examples:

I had no choice but to accept the job offer.
She had no choice but to apologize for her mistake.
There was no choice but to cancel the event due to bad weather.

Alternatives:

had to do
was forced to do
had no alternative but to do
had no option but to do
had no alternative other than to do

No choice but doing

This phrase is correct but less common in English.

This phrase is also used to express that there is no alternative but doing something. It may sound a bit awkward to some native speakers.

Examples:

There was no choice but doing the dishes before leaving.
She had no choice but doing her homework first.
He had no choice but doing the laundry himself.

Alternatives:

had to do
was forced to do
had no alternative but to do
had no option but to do
had no alternative other than to do

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