choice、alternative、preference、option、selection与election这些名词均含有“选择”之意。
choice : 侧重指自由选择的权利或特权。
- If the product doesn't work, you are given the choice of a refund or a replacement.
如果产品不能使用，可选择退款或换货。 - It's a difficult choice to make.
这很难抉择。 - It was a choice between pain now or pain later, so I chose pain later.
这是在现在痛苦还是以后痛苦之间作出选择，所以我选择以后痛苦。
alternative : 指在相互排斥的两者之间作严格的选择，也可指在两者以上中进行选择。
- The opposition parties have so far failed to set out an alternative strategy.
反对党到目前为止还没有提出其他的策略。 - An alternative venue for the concert is being sought.
正在寻找其他可举办音乐会的地方。
preference : 侧重因偏见、爱好或判断等而进行选择。
- Her preference is for comfortable rather than stylish clothes.
她更注重衣服的舒适性，而非时髦的款式。 - I have a preference for sweet food over spicy.
比起辛辣食物我更喜欢甜食。 - Choosing furniture is largely a matter of personal preference.
挑选家具主要是个人喜好的问题。
option : 着重特别给予的选择权利或权力，所选物常常相互排斥。
- The best option would be to cancel the trip altogether.
最好的选择是彻底取消这次行程。 - There are various options open to someone who is willing to work hard.
愿意努力工作的人有多种选项。
selection : 指作广泛的选择，着重选择者的识别力或鉴赏力。
- the selection process
挑选过程 - Success is achieved by the careful selection of projects.
成功是靠对计划的仔细甄选取得的。
election : 强调目的和达到目的判断能力。
- election campaigns/results
竞选运动；选举结果 - to win/lose an election
在选举中获胜 / 失败 - to fight an election
参加竞选 - to vote in an election
参加投票选举
