a thoughtful selection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a thoughtful selection" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a choice or decision that has been made with careful consideration and reflection. Example: "The committee presented a thoughtful selection of candidates for the scholarship program."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Along with fresh crusty baguettes and flaky croissants (from $2.50 to $3.10), there is also a thoughtful selection of cheeses ($12 to $30 a pound) from France (Pont l'Évêque, Comté, Saint-Nectaire, Morbier), Spain (Manchego, tetilla) and Italy (Gorgonzola, taleggio).

The New York Times

Fully stocked, offering a broad range of mostly Italian wines (glasses start at $6, bottles are $21 to $320, the latter for a Barbaresco Gaja) and a thoughtful selection of beers.

The New York Times

The married owners, Justin and Tricia Philips, built on Justin's origins in beer importing and sunk their savings into this boutique bar a few years ago, and their exuberance shows; the menu includes a daily-changing list of twenty-five obscure international micro-batches in bottles, a few on tap, and a thoughtful selection of beer-friendly food.

The New Yorker

Thankful Registry tackles that problem by re-imagining registries as a way for couples to sign up for a thoughtful selection of items while connecting with their guests.

TechCrunch

Just in the same way that a DJ shepherds music lovers through a thoughtful selection of tracks, video artists can guide audiences through live visualizations that respond to music.

TechCrunch

"First through a thoughtful selection of images, and then through delicate drawing or painting.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"We ran a careful and thoughtful selection process," Mr. Summers said.

The New York Times

A small but thoughtful selection of sturdy whites and reds were available by the glass and went well with the substantial food served here.

The New York Times

Once receptacles of mass-market mixers and anemic airplane bottles of spirits, the in-room refrigerators at many hotels now offer an altogether more thoughtful selection, often with idiosyncratic touches like guitar strings and artisanal chocolates.

The New York Times

A per-unit-length value of the accelerating factor (specific accelerating factor) gives instead a rough but consistent idea of a servo-motor quality, for a more systematic and thoughtful selection.

Mechatronics

Mr. Tanner went on to list several selling points: the audio transfers, which are excellent; the program booklets, each 36 pages richly filled with rare documentary photographs and superlative texts; and the thoughtful selection, often complete with A-B comparisons between the headliner and outstanding predecessors, contemporaries or followers.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a thoughtful selection", ensure the context clarifies what criteria made the selection thoughtful. Specify the qualities considered, such as relevance, diversity, or quality, to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a thoughtful selection" as a generic compliment. If the selection lacks clear criteria or specific benefits, the phrase becomes vague and loses its impact. Provide details to justify the thoughtfulness behind the selection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thoughtful selection" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "thoughtful" modifies the noun "selection". It describes a particular collection or choice, implying that it was made with care and consideration. Ludwig shows it modifying nouns like cheeses, beers and items.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a thoughtful selection" is a grammatically sound and commonly used way to describe a collection or choice made with careful consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides various examples across different contexts, from news and media to scientific research. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates the criteria that made the selection thoughtful. Consider alternatives like "a considered choice" or "a judicious choice" to add nuance. While versatile, avoid using it as a generic compliment without providing specific justifications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considered choice

Replaces "thoughtful selection" with synonyms that emphasize careful consideration.

a deliberate assortment

Uses "deliberate" and "assortment" to highlight the intentional nature of the selection.

a well-considered collection

Emphasizes the thoroughness of consideration in forming the collection.

a judicious choice

Replaces "thoughtful" with "judicious", stressing the good judgment involved.

a mindful curation

Highlights the care and attention given to the selection process, using "curation".

a discerning selection

Emphasizes the quality of having or showing good judgment, especially regarding aesthetic matters.

a carefully chosen array

Highlights the meticulous nature of the selection process and the resulting variety.

a selective assortment

Uses "selective" to emphasize the careful choice of items included.

a strategic compilation

Implies that the selection was made with a specific strategy or goal in mind.

a well-reasoned grouping

Focuses on the logical basis for the selection and its arrangement.

FAQs

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

You can use "a thoughtful selection" to describe a range of items or choices made with careful consideration. For instance, "The restaurant offers "a thoughtful selection" of wines to complement its menu".

What are some alternatives to "a thoughtful selection"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a considered choice", "a deliberate assortment", or "a judicious choice", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "thoughtful selection" or "careful selection"?

Both "thoughtful selection" and "careful selection" are valid, but "thoughtful" emphasizes deeper consideration and reflection, while "careful" focuses on accuracy and avoiding mistakes. The better choice depends on the specific context.

What makes a selection "thoughtful"?

A "thoughtful selection" implies that the person or entity making the selection considered various factors, such as the needs and preferences of the audience, the quality of the items, and the overall purpose of the selection. It goes beyond a simple or random choice.