a selection of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a selection of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to denote a group of items that have been chosen from a larger group. For example: "I went to the store and picked out a selection of fruits for the fruit salad."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Below, a selection of images.

The New Yorker

A selection of "photo ops".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Here's a selection of his photographs.

The New Yorker

Here's a selection of his pictures.

The New York Times

See a selection of the work here.

The New York Times

A selection of his photographs appears below.

The New Yorker

A selection of comments is below.

The New York Times

Here's a selection of her portraits.

The New Yorker

Here is a selection of my favorites.

The New York Times - Travel

A selection of donated cartoons follows.

The New Yorker

Here's a selection of her pictures.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a selection of" when you want to emphasize that the items mentioned were carefully chosen from a larger pool. It adds a sense of curation to your writing.

Common error

While "a selection of" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "some" or "a few" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a selection of" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically a quantifier. It modifies a noun by indicating that only some, not all, of the items are being referred to. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

22%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"A selection of" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a curated subset of items from a larger group. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and widely applicable. Predominantly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts, this phrase adds a touch of formality and precision to your writing. While highly useful, remember that simpler alternatives like "some" might be more appropriate in casual conversations. By understanding its nuances and contexts, you can effectively leverage "a selection of" to enhance clarity and impact in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a collection of

Focuses on the resulting group of selected items, emphasizing the act of gathering.

a variety of

Emphasizes diversity within the chosen group, shifting focus from the act of selecting to the composition of the group.

an assortment of

Highlights the mixed nature of the chosen items, suggesting a diverse collection.

a range of

Indicates a spectrum of options or items, broadening the scope of what's included.

carefully chosen

Emphasizes the thoughtfulness and intention behind the selection process.

handpicked

Highlights the careful and deliberate selection of each item, suggesting a high level of quality or suitability.

a sampling of

Suggests a representative set of items chosen to provide an overview.

chosen from

Shifts the focus to the act of choosing, emphasizing the origin of the selected items.

a number of

Indicates a certain quantity of items, providing a less specific alternative.

some

Offers a simple and less formal way to indicate a few chosen items.

FAQs

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

You can use "a selection of" to introduce a group of items chosen from a larger set. For example, "The museum offers a selection of ancient artifacts." or "Here is a selection of books from the library."

What are some alternatives to "a selection of"?

You can use alternatives such as "a variety of", "an assortment of", or "a range of" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a selection of items" or "a selection of item"?

The correct phrase is "a selection of items" because "selection of" implies multiple items are chosen. The noun following "of" should be plural.

How does the formality of "a selection of" compare to "some"?

"A selection of" tends to be more formal than "some". Use "a selection of" in formal writing or when emphasizing the deliberate choice of items. Use "some" in more casual contexts.