I was selective

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was selective" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a past action where you made careful choices or decisions about something. Example: "During the hiring process, I was selective about the candidates I chose to interview."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"I was selective in my recruiting," he once said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I was selective with when I chose to rebuttal [sic] physically with people in the streets," he says.

The Guardian

I used to think I was selective when it came to choosing my sexual partners.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"I am selective, I look at the price and I want a name brand," said Leonie Barden, a 28-year-old Bronx resident who works at a digital reproduction company.

The New York Times

I'm selective about the photographs I put out in the world.

Vice

They're still precious so I'm selective about when I wear them and where.

Vice

Knowing how I travel best, I'm selective about which trip invitations to accept and prefer solo missions.

Huffington Post

But it is selective.

The Guardian

I think there was selective enforcement going on.

Huffington Post

I noted that the partnership was selective.

The Guardian

Proteasome inhibition at the micromolar level was selective, calpain I and cathepsin B were not inhibited.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was selective", ensure that the context clearly indicates what criteria you used to make your selections. This adds clarity and strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "I was selective" without providing specific reasons or examples of your selection criteria. Overstating your selectivity without justification can come across as pretentious or lacking in substance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was selective" functions as an independent clause expressing a past state of being, where the subject (I) exercised careful choice. As Ludwig AI tells us, it's considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was selective" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to convey that past choices were made deliberately and based on specific criteria. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While relatively uncommon, its usage spans across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. Related phrases like "I was discerning" or "I picked carefully" can offer nuanced alternatives. When employing this phrase, it's best practice to provide context for the selection criteria, avoiding any perception of unsubstantiated pretension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I picked carefully

Emphasizes the thoroughness and attention to detail in making selections.

I was particular

Implies having very specific preferences or requirements.

I was discerning

Highlights the ability to make fine distinctions and judgments.

I was discriminating

Focuses on making choices based on refined taste or standards.

I exercised discretion

Emphasizes careful and responsible decision-making.

I chose judiciously

Focuses on making wise and well-considered choices.

I filtered carefully

Highlights the careful removal of undesired options.

I had specific criteria

Highlights that choices were based on a predefined list of conditions.

I handpicked

Highlights a manual and careful selection process.

I only went for the best

Emphasizes prioritizing superior options.

FAQs

What does "I was selective" mean?

The phrase "I was selective" indicates that you made choices carefully, based on specific criteria or preferences, rather than choosing randomly or accepting everything.

What can I say instead of "I was selective"?

You can use alternatives like "I was discerning", "I picked carefully", or "I was particular" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How do I use "I was selective" in a sentence?

You can use "I was selective" to describe a past action where you carefully chose from available options. For example, "I was selective in my recruiting process, focusing on candidates with strong leadership skills."

What's the difference between "I was selective" and "I was picky"?

"I was selective" generally implies a more rational and justifiable basis for choices, whereas "I was picky" suggests a more subjective and perhaps overly critical approach. While both indicate careful choice, "selective" is often viewed as more professional.