Make Your Point > Archived Issues > HOBSON'S CHOICE

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explore the archives: In a situation where you really only have one option because the other is "nothing," you've got a Hobson's choice on your hands. Still, it's not like that single option is im____tive: you're not commanded to take it, and you don't have to. It's just that there's nothing else available. make your point with... "HOBSON'S CHOICE" Depending on which source you consult, this term comes from a guy named Tobias Hobson or Thomas Hobson, an English coachman from centuries ago who would let you have either the horse right by the door or no horse at all. So, a Hobson's choice is a choice between the one thing you're offered and nothing. Pronunciation: HOB sunz choice Part of speech: Countable noun. (Countable nouns, like "bottle," "piece," and "decision," are words for things that can be broken into exact units. You talk about "a bottle," "three pieces," and "many decisions." Likewise, talk about a Hobson's choice or the Hobson's choice. You don't usually make it plural.) Because Hobson is a guy's name, "Hobson's choice" remains a proper noun. Always capitalize the H. Other forms: none How to use it: Call something a Hobson's choice when your options are either "this thing" or "nothing at all." Talk about having a Hobson's choice or being faced with a Hobson's choice, being given a Hobson's choice, a situation that allows only a Hobson's choice, a situation that depends on a Hobson's choice, the Hobson's choice of one thing or nothing, the Hobson's choice between one thing and nothing, etc. Some prefer to leave off the word "a" or "the" and just call something Hobson's choice: "this is a case of Hobson's choice," "it was just a matter of Hobson's choice," "it's Hobson's choice: we take it or leave it." Just don't confuse a Hobson's choice with a dilemma (a choice between two bad things), a false dichotomy or false dilemma (a choice where it seems like there are only two options but really there are more), or no choice at all (like when you're forced to do something, or you're threatened with punishment if you don't). examples: A single candidate on the ballot may seem like a Hobson's choice, but you could always write one in. I believe this is how Bilbo Baggins becomes your class president. For consumers, 1919 was the year of the Hobson's choice: you could either have a black Ford or no Ford. study it now: Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "Hobson's choice" means when you can explain it without saying "my way or the highway" or "take it or leave it." try it out: Think of a time you couldn't or wouldn't negotiate or be flexible, and fill in the blanks: "I gave (someone) a Hobson's choice: either (do something my way) or (don't do it at all)." Example: "I gave my client a Hobson's choice: either accept the offer at the stated price, or don't." before you review: Spend at least 20 seconds occupying your mind with the game below. Then try the review questions. Don’t go straight to the review now—let your working memory empty out first. Well-Named Creatures: Some names for animals and other creatures define themselves instantly or after a brief moment’s thought: anteater, grasshopper, hummingbird, seahorse, octopus (eight-foot). But other names deserve some exploration; they hold hidden clues about what the animals look like or what they do. And sometimes the names reveal how baffled people were when they first caught a glimpse of the creatures and tried to name them. This month, I’ll give you the literal meaning of a creature's name, and you come up with what it is. Answers will appear in alphabetical order this month. (Oh, and the answers might be animals, birds, insects, or even extinct creatures.) Enjoy! From yesterday: A "little shadow-tailed" creature is a s______. Answer: It's a squirrel, whose name comes from Greek. Try this one today: A "covering lizard" (or "roof lizard") is a s______. review today's word: 1. The opposite of HOBSON'S CHOICE is A. DEARTH OF SELECTIONS B. EXCESS OF DECISIONS C. ABUNDANCE OF OPTIONS 2.  It'd be a mistake to think of your graduate advisor as a Hobson's choice. You can always _____. A. ask that advisor to schedule a brief meeting with you B. request someone else if you can't see eye to eye C. get an outsider's opinion about your paper drafts Answers are below. a final word: To be a sponsor and send your own message to readers of this list, please contact Liesl at Liesl@HiloTutor.com. Disclaimer: Word meanings presented here are expressed in plain language and are limited to common, useful applications only. Readers interested in authoritative and multiple definitions of words are encouraged to check a dictionary. Likewise, word meanings, usage, and pronunciations are limited to American English; these elements may vary across world Englishes. Answers to review questions: 1. C 2. B