list is selective

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "list is selective" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing a list that includes only certain items or criteria. Example: "The committee's list is selective, focusing only on the top candidates." Alternative expressions include "list is exclusive" and "list is curated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

www.sunshinefestival.orillia.on.ca DANCE This list is selective.

The New York Times - Arts

The wine list is selective and reasonably priced.

The New York Times - Travel

www.national.ballet.ca CLASSICAL MUSIC This list is selective, and programs are subject to change.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The guest list was selective: No one with any academic eminence, or indeed any scholarly credentials, was invited.

The Washington Post

My list is highly selective.

The Guardian - Opinion

My list is necessarily selective; out of perhaps a thousand I've chosen a handful.

The New Yorker

In the confines of a column, my list is necessarily selective and of telegraphic brevity.

The Guardian - Opinion

When the guest list is a selective group of people, Smith says to wait until after the event is over to post.

Huffington Post

Performers include Martin Chalifour, Eugene Drucker, Ursula Oppens, Jerome Lowenthal and the Borromeo String Quartet.www.festivalmontreal.org POP/JAZZ The following list of performers and concert dates is selective.

The New York Times - Arts

The list of furniture and other works is selective.

Wikipedia

Still, Mr. Beller is selective.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Place this phrase in the introduction of a resource guide or a bibliography to justify the exclusion of certain sources.

Common error

Avoid using "list is selective" merely to describe a list that is short. Selectivity implies a deliberate filter or a set of standards; if a list is small simply because few options exist, terms like 'limited' or 'small' are more accurate.

Linguistic Context

In English grammar, "list is selective" functions as a descriptive statement where the noun "list" is modified by the predicative adjective "selective" via the linking verb "is". According to Ludwig AI, this construction is primarily used to set constraints on a dataset. It explicitly informs the reader that the items presented were not chosen at random but passed through a specific set of criteria.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

1.5%

Social Media

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "list is selective" is a vital tool for writers who need to define the scope of their work. Ludwig AI analysis reveals that it is highly favored by prestigious institutions and media outlets to clarify that a compilation follows a specific, non-random logic. While the exact phrase occurs moderately in the dataset, its variations (e.g. 'the list was selective', 'highly selective list') are widespread. The primary takeaway is that using this phrase adds a layer of professional transparency to your writing, signaling to the reader that you have curated the information with a specific purpose in mind.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

list is curated

Implies an active, professional selection process by an expert or editor.

selection is limited

Focuses more on the quantity or constraints of the available choices.

list is exclusive

Suggests a higher barrier to entry or a more prestigious selection.

list is handpicked

Indicates a very personal or manual choice of items.

list is not exhaustive

A formal way to state that some items were intentionally left out.

selection is rigorous

Emphasizes the strictness of the criteria used to build the list.

selection is judicious

Suggests the list was made with good judgment and careful thought.

list is partial

More neutral; simply states the list is incomplete without necessarily implying quality control.

list is non-comprehensive

A technical or academic way to say the list does not cover everything.

choices are restricted

Focuses on the limitation of the options available rather than the list itself.

FAQs

How do I use "list is selective" in a sentence?

You can use it to qualify a collection of items, such as: "The following "list is selective", focusing only on the most influential authors of the decade."

What can I say instead of "list is selective"?

Depending on your context, you might use "list is curated" for editorial content or "list is not exhaustive" for more formal or legal disclaimers.

Which is correct, "list is selective" or "list is curated"?

Both are correct, but "list is curated" often implies a professional or artistic touch, while "list is selective" is a more general statement about following specific criteria.

Does "list is selective" imply bias?

Not necessarily; it usually implies a necessary filter. However, it is often better to use "list is not comprehensive" if you want to avoid any suggestion of subjective preference.