select from

USAGE SUMMARY

"Select from" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
It is often used to indicate a number of options from which you must choose. For example, "Please select from the list of available courses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Please select from the following options.

The New York Times

Using a video menu, players select from 10 games.

The New York Times - Tech

Regular RR contributor chippiparai will then select from your recommendations.

The Guardian - Music

Seniors would select from a menu of insurance plans.

The New York Times

How many images did you have to select from?

The New York Times

The choices are limited; one can select from seven entrees.

The New York Times

● Region (select from list).

Journal of Applied Volcanology

● Composition (select from list).

Journal of Applied Volcanology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Select "Multi-Select" from the menu.

WikiHow

First enter the command: SELECT * FROM us_states;.

WikiHow

select... from orchem_fingprint_subsearch.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing options, clearly state the criteria for selection. For example, "Select from the following criteria based on your priorities."

Common error

Avoid using "select from" in constructions where the actor is unclear. Ensure it's evident who is doing the selecting to maintain clarity and avoid passive voice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "select from" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the action of choosing one or more items out of a given set. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage, aligning with its role in framing choices.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "select from" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate choosing one or more items from a set of options. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. While interchangeable with alternatives like "choose from", "pick from", and "opt for", "select from" often conveys a slightly more formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding who is making the selection and what criteria should guide their choice. By considering these factors, you can effectively incorporate the phrase "select from" into your writing to instruct and guide your audience's decision-making.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

choose from

This alternative is a direct synonym, emphasizing the act of making a choice.

pick from

This alternative is less formal and suggests a more casual selection.

choose among

This alternative highlights that the selection is made from a group, implying a more careful consideration.

make a selection from

This alternative emphasizes the act of selecting, adding a layer of formality.

draw from

This alternative implies extracting or obtaining something from a source.

opt for

This alternative emphasizes making a deliberate decision for a specific option.

single out from

This alternative suggests specifically identifying one item from a group.

take from

This alternative is more general, simply meaning to remove something from a source.

glean from

This alternative emphasizes extracting information or insights from a source.

extract from

This alternative implies carefully removing something from a larger entity.

FAQs

How do I use "select from" in a sentence?

Use "select from" to indicate that a choice should be made among a group of options. For example, "Please select from the available options".

What can I say instead of "select from"?

You can use alternatives like "choose from", "pick from", or "opt for" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "select from" or "choose from"?

"Select from" and "choose from" are often interchangeable. However, "select from" might be preferred in more formal contexts, while "choose from" is generally more common.

What's the difference between "select from" and "select among"?

"Select from" is used when referring to a set of distinct options, while "select among" emphasizes the selection within a group. For example, "select from the menu" versus "select among the candidates".