on a selective basis

USAGE SUMMARY

"on a selective basis" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that something is happening in a particular way, usually because of careful consideration or discrimination. For example: "The company is accepting applications for the new position on a selective basis."

✓ Grammatically correct

Globalization and Health

The New York Times

Harvard Business Review

The New Yorker

Britannica

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Such collaboration would need to be on a selective basis, between selected institutions on both sides, between India and specific countries in the EU, and in selected opportunity segments.

Globalization and Health

These women should, on a selective basis, be allowed to take part in work-release programs.

The New York Times

No company can do everything, and we use partnerships on a selective basis.

Harvard Business Review

Effective Jan . 1 2018, the Library will acquire tweets on a selective basis — similar to our collections of web sites".

The New Yorker

Over the last several months, pieces of the RJR refinancing package have been leaked on a selective basis.

The New York Times

West Germany, which was demilitarized after World War II, reestablished conscription in 1956 on a selective basis.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Such long-range forecasts also would probably call for retrenchment, but on a more selective basis to maintain a growth posture.

Harvard Business Review

China eventually settled down to conscription on a highly selective basis.

Britannica

"People will continue to play Eastern Europe and then Latin America will come back followed by the drain of assets back into Asia on a very selective basis," said Hilary Wakefield, portfolio manager at Old Mutual in London, which holds about $180 million in emerging-markets stocks.

The New York Times

Materials covering Breton and Romansch are also included on a very selective basis.

University of Chicago

Spoken word recordings and performances are acquired on a very selective basis.

University of Chicago

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a selective basis" when you want to emphasize that something is not applied universally but rather based on specific criteria or careful consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "on a selective basis" as a vague qualifier. Always specify the criteria or factors that determine the selection process to provide clarity and transparency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a selective basis" functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb or clause to specify how an action is performed, indicating that it is done in a discriminatory or carefully chosen manner. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on a selective basis" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that indicates something is applied or chosen according to specific criteria, rather than universally. Ludwig AI validates the expression. This phrase, as seen in various examples, is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. It's crucial to define the criteria for selection clearly to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases include "on a case-by-case basis" and "on a chosen basis". When using this phrase, consider whether a more precise term might better convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a case-by-case basis

Emphasizes individual assessment for each instance.

on a chosen basis

Highlights the act of making a choice.

on a discriminatory basis

Focuses on differentiation and selection.

on an individual basis

Highlights an approach where things are assessed separately.

on a prioritized basis

Signifies decisions based on importance.

by selection

Directly points to the act of selecting.

on a filtered basis

Implies a sifting or screening process.

on a restricted basis

Implies limitations or constraints in application.

on a curated basis

Indicates expert selection and arrangement.

on a preferential basis

Focuses on giving preference to certain items or individuals.

FAQs

What does it mean to do something "on a selective basis"?

Doing something "on a selective basis" means it's not done for everyone or in every situation. Instead, it's applied only to certain individuals or circumstances based on specific criteria.

How can I use "on a selective basis" in a sentence?

You might say, "The company offers flexible working arrangements "on a selective basis", depending on the employee's role and performance."

What's a less formal way to say "on a selective basis"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "by choice" or "only for some" to convey a similar meaning but in a more informal way.

Is there a difference between "on a selective basis" and "on a case-by-case basis"?

"On a selective basis" implies a broader set of criteria for selection, while "on a case-by-case basis" suggests individual assessments for each specific instance.