select to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "select to" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is unclear when to use it, as it lacks context and proper grammatical structure. Example: "You can select to proceed with the next step."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

What pieces, and by whom, would you select to symbolize this season of the year?

The New York Times

Q.Which previous Heisman winner would you select to share the NCAA Football 13 cover?

The New York Times

Each person has the option to select to bring a guest on the online registration page.

Independent

This is greatly enhanced when you select to play Campaign co-operatively with up to three friends.

The Guardian - Tech

Sydney FC, though, would probably be the team you would select to play against in such circumstances.

The Guardian - Sport

"We know that The New York Times reviews the agencies that they select to receive the money," Ms. Snyder said.

The New York Times

Here, we shall select to Cut the part into two.

3D Printing in Medicine

The better features we select to classify objects, the higher the classification accuracy is.

Advances in Space Research

An impressive 60% select to study abroad for about a semester.

Forbes

We select, to make the two filter banks have the equivalent lengths and,.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

If both firms select to sell on the market, they encounter the same marginal cost (gamma).

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions, replace "select to" with a more direct command, such as "select" or "choose", followed by a clear description of the action.

Common error

Many technical writers rely on "select to" assuming it's a standard phrase for guiding users. However, it often creates unnecessary wordiness. Instead, use a simple imperative verb. For instance, instead of saying "Select to install the driver", write "Install the driver."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "select to" functions as part of an infinitive construction, typically used to express a choice or decision regarding an action. However, according to Ludwig AI, the phrase is not grammatically correct and should be avoided in favor of more standard alternatives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

32%

News & Media

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "select to" appears frequently in online content, particularly in technical guides and news articles, it's generally considered grammatically weak and often replaceable with more concise and grammatically sound alternatives. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is incorrect. It's advisable to favor options like "choose to", "opt to", or simply "select" to enhance clarity and maintain a more professional tone. The phrase's high frequency doesn't necessarily equate to correctness, making it crucial to consider context and audience when crafting your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

choose to

A more common and grammatically correct alternative, offering a direct and clear way to express a choice.

opt to

Similar to "choose to", but often implies a more formal or deliberate selection from available options.

decide to

Indicates a resolution or determination to take a specific action.

elect to

Suggests a formal or official choice, often used in legal or political contexts.

prefer to

Indicates a favored option or course of action over others.

want to

A simpler and more informal way to express a desire or intention to do something.

wish to

A more polite and formal way to express a desire or intention.

intend to

Expresses a plan or purpose to do something.

plan to

Similar to "intend to", but emphasizes the preparation and arrangement for a future action.

aim to

Suggests striving towards a particular goal or outcome.

FAQs

How can I rephrase a sentence that includes "select to"?

Replace "select to" with more concise options like "choose to", "opt to", or simply "select" depending on the context. This will improve clarity and grammatical correctness.

Is "select to" grammatically correct in English?

While commonly used, especially in instructional contexts, "select to" isn't considered grammatically ideal. It's often better to use alternatives like "choose to" or restructure the sentence for better clarity.

What are some formal alternatives to "select to"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "elect to", "opt to", or "decide to" instead of "select to". These options convey a more deliberate and considered choice.

When is it appropriate to use "select to"?

While not strictly incorrect, "select to" is often seen in informal instructions or technical documentation. However, it's generally preferable to use stronger, more direct verbs like "choose", "select", or "pick" for better clarity and conciseness.