be selective for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be selective for" is not commonly used in written English and may not be considered correct.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that something is chosen or favored based on specific criteria, but it may sound awkward. Example: "In this study, we need to be selective for the most relevant data points to ensure accurate results."

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Two of the aromatic lactones show selectivity within the ALDH1/2 class, and one appears to be selective for ALDH2 compared to all other isoenzymes tested.

Chemico-Biological Interactions

Specific region may also be selective for zoomed in view.

Nature

The modified electrode was found to be selective for DA analysis.

Electrochimica Acta

The receptor is found to be selective for long chain pimelate.

Tetrahedron Letters

The receptor is found to be selective for long chain suberate.

Tetrahedron Letters

We further designed argifin derivatives expected to be selective for hAMCase.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry

The Hoogsteen (HG) cleft of receptor 1 is found to be selective for glutaric acid.

Tetrahedron Letters

Preservation of the excitatory, cholinergic innervation to the esophagus implies that the neuronal loss that characterizes achalasia may be selective for inhibitory neurons.

Nature

Such a junction should be selective for electrons and repel holes from the electron extraction interface, which may reduce overall recombination.

Nature

Na-, Bandand Ba/H-ETS-10 were all found to be selective for ethane over methane.

Chemical Engineering Science

This observation suggests that this compound class could potentially be engineered to be selective for either of the CaaX proteases.

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Cell Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "be selective for", ensure that the object of your selection is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify what criteria are being used to make the selection.

Common error

Avoid using "be selective for" in contexts where simple preference is implied without a specific, justifiable reason. It's better to use general alternatives like "prefer" or "choose". Overusing it can sound pretentious or overly formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be selective for" functions as a directive, guiding the focus of selection based on specific, often pre-defined criteria. It emphasizes a deliberate choice process, as shown in Ludwig's examples where compounds are engineered to target specific proteases.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

96%

Formal & Business

2%

News & Media

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be selective for" is a common expression, especially in scientific and technical contexts, used to indicate a deliberate and criteria-based selection process. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig AI suggests that it may not always be the most natural choice in all situations. The phrase functions as a directive, specifying what qualities are prioritized during selection. Its formal register makes it well-suited for academic papers, research reports, and technical manuals, while more informal alternatives might be preferable in everyday conversation. When using "be selective for", clarity is paramount to avoid ambiguity regarding the selection criteria. Remember, while frequent, its formality should align with the overall tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a preference for

Indicates a liking or inclination towards something, often based on personal taste or judgment.

choose specifically for

Emphasizes a deliberate act of choosing with a particular purpose in mind.

preferentially select for

Highlights a preference in selection, suggesting that certain criteria are favored over others.

target specifically at

Focuses on directing actions or resources towards a particular goal or group.

be inclined towards

Suggests a leaning or tendency in a particular direction.

discriminate in favor of

Implies a distinction is made, resulting in favoring one option over another. It can carry a more negative connotation.

show partiality to

Expresses a bias or favoritism towards something or someone.

be predisposed toward

Suggests a natural inclination or tendency towards something.

focus intently on

Emphasizes a strong and unwavering concentration on something.

specialize in

Indicates a focus on a particular area or subject, implying expertise and concentrated effort.

FAQs

How can I use "be selective for" in a sentence?

You can use "be selective for" to indicate that something or someone is chosen based on specific criteria. For example, "This breeding program is selective for disease resistance".

What does it mean to "be selective for" something?

To "be selective for" something means to have a preference for it based on particular qualities or characteristics, implying a deliberate choice or filtering process.

Are there alternatives to "be selective for" that I can use?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "have a preference for", "choose specifically for", or "preferentially select for", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "be selective for" formal or informal?

"Be selective for" tends to be more formal and is often used in scientific, technical, or professional contexts. In more casual situations, simpler phrases like "prefer" or "choose" might be more appropriate.