selecting for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "selecting for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts related to choosing or favoring certain traits or characteristics, often in scientific or technical discussions. Example: "In this experiment, we are selecting for plants that exhibit drought resistance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

First, senescence creates a selective disadvantage for normal cells, thus selecting for cancer [ 52- 54].

Aging

By selecting for multiple QTL over time, MAS maintained superiority over conventional selection for many generations.

Journal of Dairy Science

Humans have been selecting for desirable traits in foodstuffs for thousands of years through selective mating and breeding.

Huffington Post

The small number of P.G.D. centers selecting for mutations doesn't bother me greatly.

The New York Times - Health

Removing the largest fish did the opposite, selecting for those fish with slow growth rates.

The New York Times - Science

"Breeders are not actively selecting for CO2 response," Dr. Ziska said.

The New York Times - Science

Perhaps, by using whatever I had on hand and selecting for novelty, I was making Watson seem kookier than necessary.

The New Yorker

They exist, for better or worse, as the croupier's rake, selecting for scrutiny a few titles each year.

The Guardian - Books

While selecting for excessive wrinkling, breeders "were also selecting for Shar-Pei fever and increasing that in frequency.

Science Magazine

Interactions between recent gene duplicates may create functional interference, selecting for regulatory complexity.

Science Magazine

He will be mindful of that situation when selecting for Europe's international showpiece in February.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing experimental designs, use "selecting for" to clearly indicate which traits or characteristics are being intentionally favored or amplified.

Common error

Ensure the context makes clear what is doing the selecting and what traits are being selected. Vague or missing information can lead to confusion about the selection process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "selecting for" functions as a verb phrase + preposition, indicating a process of deliberate choice or favoring of particular traits or characteristics. Ludwig AI identifies examples across varied contexts, showcasing its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

79%

News & Media

19%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "selecting for" is a versatile and frequently used term that indicates a process of deliberate choice or favoring of particular traits or characteristics. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence, particularly within scientific and news contexts. The phrase is generally considered formal, making it suitable for academic, scientific, and professional communications. When using "selecting for", ensure clarity about what is doing the selecting and what traits are being selected to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "choosing", "opting for", or "favoring" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

choosing

Focuses on the act of picking something out from a range of options.

opting for

Emphasizes making a choice, often implying a deliberate decision.

favoring

Suggests a preference or bias towards something.

picking out

Highlights the selection of specific items from a larger group.

hand-picking

Implies a careful and selective process.

identifying

Focuses on recognizing and pointing out specific characteristics or items.

recruiting

Suggests actively seeking and enlisting certain individuals or elements for a specific purpose.

cultivating

Implies fostering growth or development of particular traits or elements.

promoting

Focuses on advancing or supporting particular characteristics or qualities.

sifting

Implies carefully examining and separating desired elements from unwanted ones.

FAQs

How is "selecting for" used in scientific contexts?

In science, "selecting for" typically refers to favoring certain traits or genes in a population, often through experimental manipulation or natural processes. For example, researchers might be "selecting for" drought resistance in plants.

What are some alternatives to "selecting for"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "choosing", "opting for", or "favoring" instead of "selecting for".

Is "selecting for" formal or informal language?

"Selecting for" is generally considered neutral to formal. Its appropriateness depends on the specific audience and context.

What is the difference between "selecting for" and "selected for"?

"Selecting for" describes the act of choosing, while "selected for" indicates that something has already been chosen. For example, scientists are "selecting for" certain traits, while specific genes might have been "selected for" over generations.