a cautious selection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cautious selection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a careful or thoughtful choice made in a particular context, such as decision-making or choosing options. Example: "After considering all the factors, we made a cautious selection of the candidates for the position."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In this way, while ethynylestradiol completely partitions to the light layer no matter the operating conditions, clenbuterol extraction can be tuned by a cautious selection of the ionic liquid concentration.

Separation and Purification Technology

The data presented generally suggests a cautious selection of antigens for the measurement of naturally induced antibody levels against polymorphic targets, especially in samples from individuals with limited exposure to parasites.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Ternent had opted for a cautious team selection, abandoning the usual 4-4-2 to leave Mamady Sidibe alone up front.

The Guardian - Sport

The cautious selection of very high quality data is necessary in a study such as this where final analysis is contingent upon sequence integrity.

Plosone

A large national survey of U.S. medical students documents unwillingness to limit sexual health education to an abstinence-only message and a preference for comprehensive approaches including alternative strategies for reducing risk, such as cautious selection of partners, contraception, and condom use [ 23].

BMC Medical Education

Our data also support that cautious selection of appropriate patients is important for successful application of NIV.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Furthermore, in those patients who require nephrotoxic anticancer drugs, and especially those with baseline decreased renal function, cautious selection, and analysis of concomitant drugs should be performed.

British Journal of Cancer

Although our study, similar to CONKO-001, showed the safety of adjuvant gemcitabine, cautious selection of patients and careful observation of treatment will be necessary when giving this agent to patients with resected pancreatic cancer.

British Journal of Cancer

And, in an awful way, England's cautious selections earlier in the series were partly vindicated by the catastrophic final chapter in Sydney, where they lost by 281 runs.

BBC

Put in Lyth though - over-cautious selection cost us at the football World Cup and why not have someone who's young and in really good form?

BBC

Although these data suggest an effect of selection, a cautious interpretation is advisable because mutation bias can inflate the expected ratio of missense to silent substitutions in this system (Wichman et al. 2005) and because time point zero data exhibited similar trends to experimental samples.

Genome Biology and Evolution

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a cautious selection", ensure that the context clearly indicates the reasons for the careful approach, such as high stakes or potential risks.

Common error

Avoid using "a cautious selection" when a simpler term like "choice" or "pick" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or hesitant in situations that don't require extreme caution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cautious selection" functions as a noun phrase, where "cautious" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "selection". It describes the manner in which a choice or decision is made. As Ludwig AI explains, it is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cautious selection" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a choice made with care and deliberation, particularly when potential risks or uncertainties are present. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is indeed correct and usable in written English. Although it's not particularly common, it appears in both scientific and news contexts, signaling a neutral to formal register. When writing, it's best to reserve this phrase for situations where the careful nature of the selection is noteworthy, avoiding overuse in everyday contexts. Alternatives such as "a careful choice" or "a prudent pick" may be suitable depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a careful choice

Emphasizes the attention to detail and consideration involved in the selection process.

a prudent pick

Highlights the wisdom and good judgment exercised in making the selection.

a circumspect decision

Focuses on the cautious and wary nature of the decision-making.

a judicious option

Underscores the sound reasoning and thoughtfulness behind the chosen option.

a considered determination

Suggests a deliberate and well-thought-out selection process.

a discerning judgment

Highlights the ability to make fine distinctions and choose wisely.

a thoughtful preference

Emphasizes the care and attention given to the selection.

a deliberate resolution

Implies a careful and intentional choice made after consideration.

a well-weighed alternative

Stresses the careful evaluation of different options before making a selection.

a strategic appointment

Focuses on the calculated and planned nature of the selection.

FAQs

How can I use "a cautious selection" in a sentence?

You can use "a cautious selection" to describe a choice made with care and consideration, especially when risks are involved. For example: "Due to the sensitive nature of the data, "a cautious selection" of personnel was necessary".

What are some alternatives to "a cautious selection"?

Alternatives include "a careful choice", "a prudent pick", or "a discerning judgment", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a cautious selection"?

It's appropriate when the selection process involves significant risk, uncertainty, or potential consequences. Using it highlights the need for careful consideration and thoughtful decision-making.

Is "cautious selection" always the best choice, or are there situations where a more decisive approach is better?

While "cautious selection" emphasizes prudence, a more decisive approach may be preferable in situations where speed and efficiency are paramount, or when the risks associated with delaying a decision outweigh the risks of making a less-than-perfect choice.