he select

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he select" is not correct in written English.
It should be "he selects" or "he selected" depending on the tense you want to use. Example: "He selects the best candidates for the job every year."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

If Mancini cannot trust him, then why, you might ask, does he select him?

The New York Times - Sports

But really, did no one from the orchestra's artistic department suggest to Mr. Dutoit that he select something other than this staple?

The New York Times - Arts

He continued, "Senator McCain's age may make it marginally more important that he select a running mate who is perceived as presidential, but it's a difference of degree".

The New York Times

If it is the case, as is often claimed, that analysis can be practiced properly only when the analyst has no metaphysical presuppositions, by what means does he select concepts for analysis?

Encyclopedia Britannica

In picking Mr. Johnson, Mr. Emanuel sidestepped a city requirement that he select a superintendent from finalists chosen by a police board, and the City Council unanimously approved the choice on Wednesday.

The New York Times

Suppose a young man named Edward wishes to give a young girl named Eva a gift — what more suitable present could he select than a case made from the volume EDW-EVA!

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

He selected himself.

The New Yorker

He selects younger players.

The New York Times - Sports

He selected three.

The New Yorker

He selected the Observatory Circle icon.

The New Yorker

He selects a becoming one.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always ensure the verb agrees with the subject in number and tense. Use "he selects" for present tense or "he selected" for past tense instead of the ungrammatical "he select".

Common error

Avoid using the base form of the verb after a third-person singular pronoun. Remember to conjugate the verb correctly to match the subject. "He select" should be "he selects" (present tense) or "he selected" (past tense).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he select" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "he selects" (present tense) or "he selected" (past tense). Thus, its primary function in actual usage is as a grammatical error, as pointed out by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he select" is fundamentally incorrect in standard English. As Ludwig AI indicates, the correct forms are "he selects" for present tense and "he selected" for past tense. This grammatical error renders the phrase unsuitable for any formal or informal context. When writing or speaking, always ensure verb conjugation agrees with the subject to maintain clarity and credibility. Consider using alternative phrases such as "he chooses" or "he picks" to accurately convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he chooses

Uses the present tense, third-person singular form of the verb "choose" for correct grammar.

he picks

Uses the present tense, third-person singular form of the verb "pick" for correct grammar.

he opts for

Employs a phrasal verb with correct conjugation to indicate a selection.

he decides on

Indicates a decision-making process leading to a selection.

he goes with

Uses a more informal phrasal verb to express selection.

he favors

Indicates a preference influencing the selection.

he designated

Implies a formal selection or appointment.

he appointed

Suggests a formal assignment to a role or position.

he singles out

Implies choosing one item or person from a group.

he culls

Suggests selecting from a larger group, often carefully.

FAQs

How should I correctly use a verb after the pronoun "he"?

Ensure verb conjugation matches the subject. Use "he selects" for present tense or "he selected" for past tense, not "he select".

What are some alternatives to the incorrect phrase "he select"?

Use grammatically correct alternatives such as "he chooses", "he picks", or "he opts for".

What is the difference between "he selects" and "he selected"?

"He selects" is present tense, indicating a habitual or current action. "He selected" is past tense, referring to an action completed in the past.

Is "he select" ever grammatically correct?

No, "he select" is not grammatically correct in standard English. Always use "he selects" or "he selected" depending on the intended tense.