have to be selective

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have to be selective" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the necessity of making careful choices or decisions in a particular context. Example: "In this competitive job market, candidates have to be selective about the positions they apply for to ensure the best fit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

"You have to be selective".

The New York Times

Even then you have to be selective because it is such a huge task".

The Guardian

So one does have to be selective, I choose various things for various reasons.

The New York Times

They have to be selective in their activities and can't take on the whole globe.

The New Yorker

Players reach a point where they have to be selective about what games to play, he said.

The New York Times

You have to be selective about where you go, because there is so much attention on me".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Of course every quote has to be selective.

The Guardian - Books

Even with the extra money, the WRU is having to be selective about the players it offers dual contracts.

The Guardian - Sport

We limited each country to three young people so they had to be selective.

Independent

For a university site aimed at the Chinese market to be effective, it has to be selective in its choice of featured people, places, products and performance.

The Guardian

With a limited staff to investigate the hundreds of cases brought to the agency each year, the agency has to be selective.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have to be selective", ensure that the reason for needing to be selective is clear to the reader. Providing context will enhance understanding and impact.

Common error

Avoid phrasing that obscures who is doing the selecting. Instead of saying "choices have to be selective", specify who needs to be selective: "editors have to be selective."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have to be selective" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing necessity or obligation. It indicates that a person or entity must exercise careful judgment when making choices. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have to be selective" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey the necessity of making careful choices. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While maintaining a neutral register, the phrase serves the purpose of indicating the need for discernment due to constraints or specific requirements. For alternative expressions, consider options such as "must exercise discretion" or "need to be discerning".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must exercise discretion

Emphasizes using good judgment and careful consideration.

need to be discerning

Highlights the requirement for keen perception and sharp judgment.

should apply careful consideration

Focuses on the importance of thoughtful deliberation.

ought to choose judiciously

Suggests a moral obligation to select wisely and carefully.

should make thoughtful choices

Highlights the importance of making considered decisions.

need to cherry-pick

Suggests choosing only the best or most desirable items.

must handpick

Implies carefully selecting something or someone.

should be discriminating

Focuses on being able to recognize subtle differences and choose appropriately.

need to sift through

Implies a need to carefully examine and choose from a large number of items.

ought to be particular

Suggests a need for high standards and specific preferences.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "have to be selective"?

You can use alternatives like "must exercise discretion", "need to be discerning", or "should apply careful consideration" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "have to be selective"?

It's appropriate when discussing a situation where careful choices are necessary due to limited resources, high competition, or the need for specific qualities. For example, "Due to budget constraints, we "have to be selective" about which projects we fund."

Is "have to be selective" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in more formal settings, you might prefer alternatives like "must exercise discretion" or "need to be discerning".

What's the difference between "have to be selective" and "have to be picky"?

"Have to be selective" implies a reasoned decision-making process based on specific criteria, while "have to be picky" suggests a more arbitrary or fastidious approach. "Have to be selective" is also generally more appropriate for formal contexts.