A selected number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A selected number of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific, chosen quantity of items or individuals from a larger group. Example: "A selected number of participants will be invited to the exclusive event next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A selected number of local artists working uptown are featured in Harlem Perspectives II at Faction Art Projects.

The Guardian - Arts

A selected number of students are asked to share their experiences and research outcomes in this informal session.

Columbia University

A selected number of F. proliferatum isolates showed FUMO production capability on autoclaved rice seeds [7].

Chemistry Central Journal

A selected number of sign bits are encrypted using a chaotic stream cipher.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

A selected number of Express drivers — neither side is saying how many — will be allowed to join the UberX service in Jakarta.

TechCrunch

A selected number of P and T stations at the French Italian border, belonging to the NOAA archive, were chosen.

Earth, Planets and Space

A selected number of var clones were transformed into E. coli, allowing plasmid preparations of high concentrations, for restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analyses or sequencing.

Plosone

A selected number of genes were validated by RT-qPCR.

Cell Death and Disease

A selected number of experts were invited to participate in a Delphi questionnaire.

British Journal of Sports Medicine

A selected number of genes which were differentially expressed in the microarray data were validated by standard quantitative PCR (qPCR).

BMC Genomics

However this roll out will now happen on a smaller scale, with the technology being implemented on a selected number of buses before the Games.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Provide context on who did the selecting. Adding that detail ensures there is clarity to the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "a selected number of" without specifying the selection process or criteria. This can make the statement seem arbitrary or biased, diminishing its impact. Be clear about how the selection was made.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a selected number of" functions as a determiner, specifying a limited quantity from a larger group. It modifies a noun, indicating that only some, not all, items or individuals are being referred to. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

21%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a selected number of" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a deliberate choice of a specific, limited quantity from a larger group. As supported by Ludwig's examples, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed in various contexts, including science, news, and academia. The phrase emphasizes intentionality and selectivity. To enhance clarity, always specify the selection criteria. Using alternatives like "a few" or "some" can provide more general options, but may lack the emphasis on deliberate selection. Therefore, choosing "a selected number of" provides a more impactful and directed tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A choice few

Emphasizes exclusivity and careful selection, suggesting a smaller and more refined group than "a selected number of".

Some chosen

Highlights the act of choosing while maintaining an informal tone, implying a deliberate selection process.

A limited quantity of

Focuses on the restriction in amount, suitable when the precise selection process is less important than the finite nature.

A handful of

Denotes a small, manageable quantity, often used in informal contexts.

A few picked

Underlines the action of picking or selecting, suggesting careful consideration.

A small group of

Highlights the reduced size of the group, useful when the numerical aspect is more relevant than the selection process.

Certain selected

Emphasizes the certainty and deliberate nature of the selection, implying careful filtering.

A restricted set of

Stresses the limitations imposed on the set, suitable when discussing constraints or boundaries.

Specific instances of

Focuses on particular occurrences that have been chosen, often used in analytical or scientific contexts.

Designated instances of

Implies a formal designation or assignment, suitable for official or structured settings.

FAQs

How can I use "a selected number of" in a sentence?

Use "a selected number of" to indicate that only some items or individuals from a larger group were chosen for a particular reason. For example, "A selected number of participants were invited to the workshop".

What are some alternatives to "a selected number of"?

You can use alternatives like "a few", "some", "several", or "a limited number of" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "a selected number of" or "some"?

"A selected number of" implies a deliberate choice, whereas "some" is more general. Use "a selected number of" when you want to emphasize that there was a specific reason for the selection.

What does "a selected number of" emphasize in a sentence?

The phrase "a selected number of" emphasizes the deliberate and intentional nature of the selection process. It implies that the items or individuals were not chosen randomly, but according to specific criteria.