make a selection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'make a selection' is correct and usable in written English.
You may use it when you want to indicate that somebody should choose from a group of options or items. For example: "Once you've identified some potential jobs, make a selection that best suits your skills and interests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Select "Restart" when asked to make a selection.

WikiHow

Tapes are submitted and commission members make a selection.

The New York Times

It can be hard to make a selection.

The Guardian

How are you supposed to make a selection?

The New York Times

That night, a jury of architects put together by Mr. Kroloff will make a selection.

The New York Times

Each month, we've invited a staff member to make a selection.

The New Yorker

Maybe after I'm gone you can make a selection and publish it".

The New Yorker

"You can't afford to make a selection that becomes bigger than you".

The New York Times

Members of the Hall were un willing to make a selection.

The New York Times

Once you make a selection regarding an embargo, it may not be changed.

University of California, Berkeley

Moving from Europe we had to make a selection, which was very maddening.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering choices, clearly define the options available before instructing someone to "make a selection". This ensures the user understands the scope of their decision.

Common error

While "make a selection" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "determine" or "ascertain" to enhance the tone and precision of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a selection" functions as a directive, instructing someone to choose from a set of available options. Ludwig shows this usage across diverse contexts, from restarting a computer to choosing items from a menu or picking research participants.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a selection" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to instruct someone to choose from available options. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is versatile and suitable for a wide range of contexts. While frequently found in news, media, and wiki content, remember to consider your audience and the level of formality required. For more formal settings, synonyms such as "determine" or "ascertain" might be more appropriate. Remember to clearly define available options to facilitate the selection process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

choose an option

Focuses on the act of choosing a specific option.

pick an item

Emphasizes the selection of a single item from a collection.

select an alternative

Highlights choosing one alternative over others.

decide on your choice

Focuses on the decision-making aspect of making a selection.

opt for a solution

Suggests choosing a solution from available options.

settle on a preference

Implies finalizing a choice based on personal preference.

determine your selection

Highlights the act of determining which selection is most appropriate.

draw a conclusion

Infers a selection from analysis and decision.

name your preference

Highlights the act of clearly stating a preferred option.

adopt a plan

Suggests a more involved adoption of a specific plan of action from the alternatives presented.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "make a selection" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "determine a choice", "ascertain your preference", or "establish your decision" depending on the context.

What is a simple alternative to "make a selection"?

Simpler alternatives include "choose", "pick", or "select". These options are more direct and work well in informal settings.

When is it appropriate to use "make a selection"?

"Make a selection" is appropriate in various contexts, such as providing instructions, offering options, or requesting a choice. It is suitable for both written and spoken communication across different formality levels.

Is there a difference between "make a selection" and "make a choice"?

While similar, "make a selection" typically implies choosing from a predefined set of options, whereas "make a choice" can refer to a broader decision-making process, not necessarily limited to specific options. Consider them as nearly perfectly interchangeable, but evaluate what noun serves you best. If it's a "selection", then use QUERY; if it's a "choice", use "make a choice".