B2adjectiveeducation
US/ˈɑːp.ʃən.əl/
UK/ˈɒp.ʃən.əl/
something you can choose to do or have, but do not have to
In context
The weekend class is optional, but most students still come.
Tipping is optional in most Vietnamese restaurants and street food stalls.
Leather seats are an optional extra that costs two hundred dollars more.
Words that go with optional
adjective + noun
- optional extraBreakfast is an optional extra at this hotel.
- optional courseI took an optional course in Japanese last term.
- optional questionThe last part of the survey has an optional question.
adverb + adjective
- completely optionalJoining the trip is completely optional.
adjective + preposition
- optional forUniforms are optional for older students.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
This exercise is not compulsory, it is option.Correct: This exercise is optional.