a select group of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a select group of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a specific group of people, animals, or objects that are chosen from a much larger group. For example: "The charity distributed resources to a select group of families in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

A select group of the most loyal customers.

The New York Times

J. P. Morgan, like other large banks, is lending to only a select group of companies.

The New York Times

The Queensboro Bridge has a special appeal to a select group of people.

The New York Times

Companies are allowed to invite only a select group of highly paid workers to participate.

The New York Times

By withdrawing, the U.S. will join a select group of non-participants.

The New Yorker

Her clients were a select group of gentlemen who learned of her by word of mouth.

The New Yorker

Only government officials, custody officers, and a select group of experts know what ministers have authorised.

The Guardian - Opinion

She is also selling a select group of items straight from the runway.

The New York Times

"It shows that Iraq is going to reach beyond a select group of companies".

The New York Times

In such places, policy decisions are often made by a select group of senior partners.

The New York Times

It had immediately won him a select group of admirers - among them Bertrand Russell.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a select group of" when you want to emphasize that the members of the group were chosen carefully for a specific reason.

Common error

Avoid using "a select group of" in contexts where it could be interpreted as suggesting that the chosen group is inherently better than others. Instead, focus on the specific qualities or criteria that led to their selection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a select group of" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase followed by a noun, typically used to describe a specific subset of individuals, items, or entities chosen from a larger pool. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a select group of" is a versatile phrase used to denote a carefully chosen subset, often implying exclusivity or special qualification. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It's frequently found in news, media, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the connotations and avoid implying unwarranted superiority. Alternatives such as "a chosen few" or "an exclusive set of" can provide subtle variations in meaning. Remember to use "a select group of" when highlighting a deliberate selection process and to remain mindful of potential misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a chosen few

Emphasizes exclusivity and preference in the selection process.

a handpicked selection of

Conveys a deliberate and careful choice process.

an exclusive set of

Highlights the limited access or availability of the group.

an elite cadre of

Focuses on the superior skills or qualifications of the group.

a privileged class of

Suggests that the group enjoys special advantages or status.

a rarefied circle of

Implies a high degree of sophistication or specialization.

a restricted pool of

Emphasizes the limited access to a certain resource or opportunity.

a designated number of

Refers to a specific quantity that has been formally assigned.

a favored bunch of

Indicates a subjective preference in the selection.

a finite number of

Highlights the limited and countable nature of the group.

FAQs

How can I use "a select group of" in a sentence?

You can use "a select group of" to describe a carefully chosen subset of a larger population. For example, "A select group of students were invited to attend the workshop".

What are some alternatives to "a select group of"?

Alternatives include "a chosen few", "an exclusive set of", or "a handpicked selection of", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a select group of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a select group of" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to indicate a carefully chosen subset, as seen in many "formal business documents" and academic papers.

What is the difference between "a select group of" and "a large group of"?

"A select group of" implies careful selection and a limited number, while "a large group of" simply indicates a significant quantity without any emphasis on selection criteria.