selection

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'selection' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a choice or range of items or people, such as a selection of books or a selection of candidates. For example: "We had a selection of ten candidates to choose from."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yes, there may be others doing stuff – local organisers selecting restaurants, paper selection committees etc.

The Guardian

His selection of Andy Carroll was justified with the opening goal and, though Olof Mellberg's double reminds us this is still very much a work in progress, England have put themselves in a position of strength going into their final game in Donetsk on Tuesday.

The Guardian - Sport

The former homes of both Darío and Cortés are now museums; Fundación Ortiz Gurdian showcases a wide selection of Nicaraguan and Latin American art; the city also has several beautifully renovated colonial-era churches.

The Guardian - Travel

Andrew Gardner, Harmoni's chief executive, said of its selection as NHS Suffolk's preferred bidder: "This is a very important patient-facing service and we have already been selected by two NHS bodies in London to run their NHS 111 services.

The Guardian

The moral complexity of genetic engineering, gamete selection and foetal surgery ran way ahead of old concepts of right and wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

The pintxos – most of which involve a bread base plus topping – are lined up on the bar so diners can take a look, give their selection to the staff, and wait for their chosen titbits to arrive.

The Guardian - Travel

Anu reveals her 10 personal favourites in the video above - it's a wide-ranging selection, spanning Bollywood, Hollywood and independent Indian film.

The Guardian

Eyre said the group risked making the same mistakes again if it pushed through a proposal to hand selection of directors to a board sub-committee made up of management and their appointees.

The Guardian - Business

A selection will be published in a second supplement next week.

The Guardian - Opinion

Go for the selection of fried fish, the surtido, in small, medium, or large.

The Guardian - Travel

On selection, the deepest fear of anti-academy campaigners, Gove has likewise played it both ways.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "selection", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being chosen or selected. For example, specify "selection of candidates" or "music selection".

Common error

Avoid using "selection" without specifying what is being selected, as it can lead to ambiguity. Always provide enough context for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "selection" is as a noun, denoting the act of choosing or the result of choosing. Ludwig provides examples illustrating its use in various contexts, such as "the selection of directors" or "a selection of fine cheeses".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

20%

Travel

15%

Less common in

Books

10%

Lifestyle

5%

Arts

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "selection" is a versatile noun with a correct grammatical standing, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It signifies both the act of choosing and the resulting choice or collection. Highly prevalent in News & Media, Sport, and Travel contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. To ensure clarity, specify what's being selected. Considering alternatives like "choice" or "option" can enhance precision and avoid vagueness. By following these guidelines, writers can effectively use "selection" in their communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

choice

A general term for the act of picking or choosing.

option

Highlights the availability of multiple possibilities.

pick

An informal term for choosing.

range

Emphasizes the variety of available items.

variety

Similar to range, focusing on the different types available.

assortment

A collection of different things.

compilation

Suggests a gathering of items from different places.

anthology

A collection of literary or musical pieces.

excerpt

A selected piece from a larger work.

extract

To obtain something from a mixture by chemical or physical process.

FAQs

How can I use "selection" in a sentence?

You can use "selection" to refer to the act of choosing, as in "The "selection process" was difficult". Or you can use it to refer to a group of chosen items, as in "Here's a "selection of cheeses"".

What are some synonyms for "selection"?

Some synonyms for "selection" include "choice", "option", "variety", and "range" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "selection" to refer to a person?

Yes, "selection" can refer to the choice of a person for a role, team, or position. For example, "His "selection for the team" was well-deserved".

What is the difference between "selection" and "election"?

"Selection" generally refers to a choice made by a smaller group or an individual, while "election" refers to a choice made by a larger group of people through voting. "Election" implies a democratic process.