might be selected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might be selected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing possibilities or potential outcomes regarding choices or decisions. Example: "Candidates who meet the qualifications might be selected for the next round of interviews."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The identified first-step mutant might be selected de novo when isolates colonizing the nasopharynx are exposed to the selection pressure from nalidixic acid.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

It is possible that none of them might be selected.

The Guardian

But Secretary Mineta said another passenger airline and another cargo carrier might be selected next year.

The New York Times - Travel

Finally it might be Selected or Collected, yet there was always further work to be done.

The Guardian - Books

Yet under this process, only one of them might be selected to represent their region.

The New York Times

Before the January 2015 draft, there was no consensus on where Aguilar might be selected.

The Guardian - Sport

Migrants might be selected in terms of robustness because of the healthy migrant effect.

Princeton University

A burning rate modifier might be selected to induce reactions between the gaseous species in this layer.

Combustion and Flame

We held high hopes that we might be selected to present in the next round.

The Economist

And one 90-year-old woman died shortly after receiving word that her son might be selected to visit Seoul.

The New York Times

Farrar, Straus and Giroux remained tight-lipped, declining to comment this evening on the possibility that he might be selected.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "might be selected" when you want to express a possibility rather than a certainty. This conveys a sense of chance or potential, suitable for situations where the outcome is not yet determined.

Common error

While "might be selected" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal documents can weaken the impact. Vary your language with stronger alternatives like "will be chosen" or "is expected to be selected" when appropriate to convey greater certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might be selected" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility in the passive voice. It indicates a potential action or outcome, suggesting that something or someone could be chosen.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "might be selected" is a versatile construction used to express possibility and potential in a selection process. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and frequently encountered across various domains, including science, news, and academia. While alternatives like "could be chosen" or "may be picked" exist, "might be selected" offers a nuanced way to convey uncertainty. It's important to use it judiciously in formal contexts to avoid weakening the overall message. Its high frequency across authoritative sources underscores its widespread acceptance and utility in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be chosen

Expresses a similar level of possibility with a different verb.

may be picked

Indicates a possibility of selection using "may" instead of "might".

could be appointed

Suggests a formal selection or assignment.

may be designated

Implies selection for a specific purpose or role.

could be favored

Indicates a possibility of being preferred or given an advantage in selection.

may be considered

Suggests being taken into account as a potential candidate.

could be preferred

Implies that someone or something has a higher chance of selection due to preference.

may be the choice

Indicates a possibility of being the preferred option.

could be in the running

Suggests being among the potential candidates for selection.

may get the nod

Informal way of saying someone might be chosen or approved.

FAQs

How can I use "might be selected" in a sentence?

You can use "might be selected" to express a possibility that someone or something will be chosen, for example, "Candidates who meet the qualifications "might be selected" for the next round of interviews."

What can I say instead of "might be selected"?

You can use alternatives like "could be chosen", "may be picked", or "could be appointed" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "might be selected" or "will be selected"?

"Might be selected" suggests uncertainty, while "will be selected" indicates a higher degree of certainty. The choice depends on the context and how sure you are of the outcome.

What is the difference between "might be selected" and "could be selected"?

Both "might be selected" and "could be selected" express possibility. The difference is subtle, with "might" suggesting a slightly lower probability than "could", but they are often interchangeable.