selected to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "selected to be" is correct and is often used in written English.
For example, "The team was selected to be part of the tournament."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He was selected to be the queen's piper in 1980.

The New York Times

They are selected to be judges on their legal ability.

The Guardian - Opinion

Our battalion was selected to be that American force.

The New York Times

Six are selected to be glued together into what he calls "the perfect hexagon".

The New York Times

He was selected to be in Who's Who in Finance and Industry.

The New York Times

One of them, Fin, was selected to be that day's player.

The Guardian

"Applicants selected to be interviewed at Cambridge also have to demonstrate exceptional academic potential.

The Guardian

Mr. Button has been selected to be Mr. Action, representing a stretch fabric.

The New Yorker

My mother has been selected to be part of her council's experiment with Telecare.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Appointedd was selected to be featured in the BBC 2 documentary The Entrepreneurs.

The Guardian

Texas was eventually selected to be the SCC's home – at Waxahachie, near Dallas.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "chosen to be" or "appointed as" when aiming for variety in your writing. These alternatives can sometimes provide a slightly different nuance.

Common error

While "selected to be" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. In those contexts, consider more precise verbs such as "appointed", "designated", or "elected" to convey a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "selected to be" functions as part of a verb phrase, indicating that a subject has undergone a process of selection for a specific state or role. It often precedes a noun or adjective that describes the intended outcome of the selection. Ludwig AI indicates that this is a correct and common phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "selected to be" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase that indicates a deliberate choice has resulted in a specific designation or role. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and common, appearing frequently in news, scientific publications, and more formal business contexts. While versatile, it's advisable to consider the register and opt for more precise verbs like "appointed" or "designated" in highly formal settings. Alternatives such as "chosen for" or "named as" can provide stylistic variation. Understanding these nuances can enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chosen for

Focuses on the act of choosing rather than the resulting state.

appointed as

Implies a more formal assignment to a role or position.

designated as

Emphasizes the act of officially assigning a specific purpose or function.

named as

Highlights the act of formally announcing someone's selection.

chosen to act as

Specifies the role someone is selected to perform.

elected to serve as

Suggests a selection process involving a vote or election.

handpicked to be

Emphasizes careful and deliberate selection.

recruited to serve

Highlights the effort involved in seeking and selecting individuals.

identified for

Focuses on recognizing suitable candidates or options.

asked to participate

Emphasizes the invitation and acceptance of a role.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "selected to be"?

You can use alternatives like "chosen for", "appointed as", or "designated as" depending on the context.

How can I use "selected to be" in a sentence?

The phrase "selected to be" is used to indicate that someone or something has been chosen for a specific role or purpose. For example, "She was "selected to be" the team captain."

What's the difference between "selected to be" and "chosen to be"?

"Selected to be" and "chosen to be" are very similar. "Selected to be" might imply a slightly more formal or structured selection process, while "chosen to be" can be more general.

Is it always necessary to use "to be" after "selected"?

No, the "to be" is not always necessary. You can often rephrase the sentence for better clarity. For instance, instead of "She was selected to be the winner", you could say "She was selected as the winner".