select for

USAGE SUMMARY

"select for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when choosing someone or something from a group of people or items. For example: "We will select for the best candidate for this position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It all depends what you select for.

The Guardian - Books

It does not select for a protein that is good at, say, doing the wash.

The New York Times

"One trait you might think to select for would be fecundity.

The New Yorker

Select for them often enough and they breed peacocks and angelfish, bowerbirds and nightingales.

The New Yorker

The more intricate the social system, the more evolution would select for intelligence.

The New Yorker

In addition, females don't select for physical appearance to the degree that men do.

The Guardian

"What trait did evolution select for when it selected creatures that protect their young?

The New Yorker

We select for good qualities — gentleness, productivity, disease and mite tolerance.

The New York Times

And a handful of lab studies have suggested that triclosan may select for resistant bacteria.

The New York Times

Ford has an injury-free squad from which to select for Saturday's semi-final.

The Guardian - Sport

(Note: This may not be the one to select for your boss).

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "select for", ensure that the criteria for selection are clear to avoid ambiguity. For example, "We will select for candidates with strong leadership skills".

Common error

Avoid vagueness when using "select for". Instead of saying "They select for the best", specify the qualities that define 'best' in that context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "select for" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating the action of choosing something based on specific criteria or characteristics. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, from scientific research to everyday decisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "select for" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the act of choosing something based on specific criteria. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, from scientific discussions to everyday decision-making. When using "select for", clarity is key; ensure the selection criteria are well-defined to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "choose for" or "opt for" can be used to add nuance or adjust the level of formality. Overall, "select for" is a valuable tool for expressing the rationale behind choices and highlighting the desired qualities in a selection process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

choose for

This alternative replaces "select" with "choose", maintaining the core meaning of making a choice.

pick for

Using "pick" instead of "select" provides a more informal synonym for choosing.

opt for

This phrase suggests making a deliberate choice in favor of something.

handpick for

Adding "handpick" emphasizes careful and deliberate selection.

screen for

This alternative implies a process of evaluation and selection based on certain criteria.

recruit for

This phrase refers specifically to choosing someone for a role or position.

nominate for

This suggests selecting someone to be considered for an award or position.

sift for

Implies a process of separating desirable items from unwanted ones.

designate for

This alternative suggests assigning something for a specific purpose.

earmark for

This phrase means setting something aside for a specific use.

FAQs

How can I use "select for" in a sentence?

You can use "select for" to indicate choosing something based on specific criteria, such as "The company will "select for" employees who demonstrate innovation and teamwork".

What is an alternative to the phrase "select for"?

Alternatives to "select for" include phrases like "choose for", "opt for", or "pick for", depending on the level of formality and specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "select for" and "selected for"?

"Select for" describes the act of choosing, while "selected for" indicates that something has already been chosen. For example, "We "select for" traits that ensure success" versus "He was "selected for" his outstanding performance".

What does it mean when something "selects for" a specific trait?

When something "selects for" a trait, it means that it favors or promotes the prevalence of that trait. In evolutionary biology, for instance, certain environmental pressures might "select for" specific genetic adaptations that increase survival rates.