actively selecting for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "actively selecting for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to decision-making, evolution, or any scenario where specific traits or characteristics are being favored or chosen. Example: "In the breeding program, we are actively selecting for traits that enhance disease resistance in plants."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Breeders are not actively selecting for CO2 response," Dr. Ziska said.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Rather, the diverse range of genes that appear to influence our ability to think must have been actively selected for over hundreds of thousands of years.

The Guardian

In this way, Ballardian environments actively select for psychopathic traits and it's the egocentric Laing who is best adapted to the high-rise who ultimately survives all the tower can throw at him.

The Guardian - Books

Asymmetries in many cases are actively selected for: they might well have increased the evolutionary fitness of a species.

Current Biology

And can essentially choose to set their own 'ethical bar' based on fairness vs accuracy — using a toggle bar on the platform — assuming they are comfortable compromising the former for the latter (and, indeed, comfortable with any associated legal risk if they actively select for an obviously unfair tradeoff).

TechCrunch

Indeed, in the past 50 years, milk flow has been actively selected for in some dairy populations [ 12].

Genetics, Selection, Evolution

In contrast to mortality, the percentage of senescent cells correlated with the percentage of CSLCs, suggesting that senescence actively selects for CSLCs.

Cell Death and Disease

There are likely many cases in which natives may be actively selected for biocontrol efficacy as an alternative to introducing nonnative agents.

Evolutionary Applications

Similarly, doxorubicin-induced senescence paralleled the emergence of CSLCs in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that senescence actively selects for CSLCs.

Cell Death and Disease

Therefore, intrinsic oxidative stress through enhanced levels of endogenous ROS in prostate and other cancers may be a phenotype actively selected for in cancer progression.

BioMed Research International

The first explanation holds that evolution actively selects for marginal stability because both insufficient and excess stability are deleterious (DePristo et al., 2005; Tokuriki and Tawfik, 2009).

eLife

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing evolutionary or breeding processes, use "actively selecting for" to highlight the deliberate favoring of specific traits or characteristics. For example, "Breeders are actively selecting for drought resistance in new crop varieties."

Common error

Avoid using "actively selecting for" when referring to natural selection without human intervention. Natural selection is not an active process but a consequence of environmental pressures. Say "natural selection favors" or "environmental pressures select for" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "actively selecting for" functions as a verb phrase indicating a deliberate action of choosing or favoring certain characteristics or traits. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English, particularly when referring to conscious selection processes.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "actively selecting for" denotes a deliberate and intentional process of choosing or favoring specific traits or characteristics, often observed in scientific or evolutionary contexts. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage in English writing. Though relatively rare, its usage signifies a conscious effort to promote particular qualities, contrasting with passive or natural selection. When writing, ensure it reflects intentional choice, avoiding its misapplication to purely natural processes. Alternatives like "deliberately choosing for" or "intentionally favoring" can be considered depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deliberately choosing for

Emphasizes intentionality in the selection process more strongly than "actively selecting for".

intentionally favoring

Highlights the act of giving preference to something specific.

favoring intentionally

Reverse order of words to emphasize the intention behind the action.

purposefully selecting

Changes the verb order to stress the objective of the selection.

purposely opting for

Implies a conscious decision to choose a specific option.

choosing specifically

Highlights the precision involved in the selection.

selectively breeding for

Specifically refers to breeding practices where certain traits are chosen.

preferentially picking

Emphasizes preference in the selection process.

actively promoting

Focuses on the act of advancing or supporting something.

consciously cultivating

Highlights long-term development or growth of something desired.

FAQs

What does "actively selecting for" mean?

The phrase "actively selecting for" refers to deliberately choosing or favoring certain traits or characteristics, often in the context of breeding, evolution, or decision-making. It implies a conscious effort to promote specific qualities.

When is it appropriate to use "actively selecting for"?

Use "actively selecting for" when describing a scenario where there is a deliberate choice or preference for specific traits or outcomes. This is common in discussions of selective breeding, evolutionary processes influenced by humans, or any situation involving intentional selection.

What are some alternatives to "actively selecting for"?

You can use alternatives like "deliberately choosing for", "intentionally favoring", or "purposely opting for" depending on the specific context.

How does "actively selecting for" differ from natural selection?

"Actively selecting for" implies a deliberate choice, often by humans, to favor certain traits. Natural selection, on the other hand, is a process where environmental pressures favor certain traits without intentional intervention. You can read about "environmental pressures select for" here.