obvious selection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obvious selection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a choice or option that is clear and easily identifiable, often due to its apparent advantages or suitability. Example: "Given the circumstances, the obvious selection for the project leader is Sarah, as she has the most experience in this area."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

One from Germany [ 26] had a highly selective population, two from the Netherlands showed no obvious selection of patients [ 20, 21], one very small study from Ireland was based on just 59 patients and eight GPs [ 22], and a large study was carried out in Australia [ 23].

BMC Family Practice

A result is a more open, more varied yet in some ways more obvious selection of entries than before.

The New York Times

When Nixon sought advice from senior Congressional leaders as a to a replacement, Ford's reputation for openness and decency made him an obvious selection.

Independent

He has combined two late groups, the second set of Four Impromptus and the Three Pieces D946, with the less well known Hüttenbrenner Variations D576: hardly an obvious selection but an intriguing start.

The Guardian - Music

The other players released – the Harlequins wing Marland Yarde, Bath wide man Semesa Rokoduguni and Exeter centre Sam Hill among the backs; the Wasps loose-head prop Matt Mullan, Bath tight-head specialist Henry Thomas, Exeter hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie, the Gloucester flanker Matt Kvesic and Sale No 8 Josh Beaumont – were less obvious selection candidates.

Independent

However, the data has some obvious selection bias and isn't the best for cross-platform comparisons.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

"Some of these athletes were obvious selections and then there were incredibly hard choices," Wintersteen said.

The New York Times - Sports

It featured some obvious selections – Harry Kewell, Mark Viduka, Mark Schwarzer, Tim Cahill and Lucas Neill – along with the likes of Socceroo icons Johnny Warren and Joe Marston.

The Guardian - Sport

How terrific then to have it playing alongside more obvious selections at 30,000 feet in the air.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Throw in the obvious selections, like the Tomkins brothers and Sean O'Loughlin, and the national squad will have a Wigan flavour reminiscent of the great days.

Independent

There are some obvious selections that such a book couldn't be published without – The Simpsons, Breaking Bad, Mad Men, The Sopranos – and all of those are included here, with 60 other shows.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "obvious selection" to clearly indicate a choice that is easily apparent due to its suitability or advantages. This strengthens the logic and clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "obvious selection" when the choice is actually debatable or requires nuanced understanding. This can oversimplify complex situations and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obvious selection" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "obvious" modifies the noun "selection". According to Ludwig, it is deemed grammatically correct and usable in written English. Its function is often to identify a choice or option that is easily apparent.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

38%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obvious selection" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote a choice that is clear and easily identifiable. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English. While not exceedingly common, the phrase appears across various sources, particularly in science and news media. When employing this phrase, ensure the selection truly is self-evident to avoid oversimplifying complex situations. Consider alternatives like "clear choice" or "natural choice" to add nuance where appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear choice

Emphasizes the clarity and lack of ambiguity in the selection process.

evident selection

Highlights the conspicuous and easily noticeable nature of the selection.

unquestionable choice

Suggests that the selection is so suitable that it cannot be doubted or challenged.

natural choice

Implies that the selection is the most logical and expected outcome.

foregone conclusion

Indicates that the selection was predictable and inevitable from the outset.

logical choice

Highlights the rationality and reasoning behind the selection.

inescapable choice

Suggests there are no alternatives to the selection.

plain choice

Emphasizes the simplicity and straightforwardness of the selection.

easy pick

Indicates that the selection process required little effort or deliberation.

self-evident choice

Highlights that the choice is obvious without needing explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "obvious selection" in a sentence?

You can use "obvious selection" to describe a choice that is clear and easily identifiable. For example, "Given her experience, Sarah is the "obvious selection" for project lead."

What are some alternatives to "obvious selection"?

Alternatives include "clear choice", "evident selection", or "natural choice" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the term "obvious selection"?

It's appropriate when the choice is genuinely straightforward and justifiable based on readily apparent factors, not when the decision is subjective or contested.

What's the difference between "obvious selection" and "best option"?

"Obvious selection" implies the choice is easily apparent, while "best option" suggests a more deliberate evaluation process to determine the most suitable choice.