selective

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "selective" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is chosen carefully and deliberately, often from a group of possibilities or choices. For example: The professor was extremely selective in the students he asked to join his research team.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No verbal or written correspondence will be entered into with unsuccessful applicants although unsuccessful applicants may apply to other selective Guardian Masterclasses.

The Guardian

Fellaini trotted on after 76 minutes and it soon became apparent he might need selective hearing – but then Blackett sent a long ball into the penalty area.

The Guardian - Sport

"There's an odd, selective presentation of history, music and culture in the film that's a bit disturbing," he says.

The Guardian - Music

"PEN honors & defends 'freedom of expression' but not all 'expression' – it is selective," she added.

The Guardian - Books

"Freedom of speech seems to be a very selective tern for Tony Abbott, it doesn't apply to trying to silence people trying to tell the truth in international markets about the sourcing of timber.

The Guardian

Most organisations have to be selective in their distribution, and that can lead to friction within a community.

The Guardian

The report found a widening gap between rich and poor at the most selective universities, but no evidence this has worsened since top-up fees were introduced in 2006.

The Guardian

King Edward VI Five Ways, a selective academy in Birmingham, saw all 155 of its pupils pass their GCSEs, with the highest average score per pupil in the country.

The Guardian

But more insidious in the short term is the fact that the unlimited expansion of any popular school, a coalition policy in the last parliament, means there is nothing to stop existing grammar schools bidding to open "annexes" (in effect new selective schools) locally.

The Guardian

The Gove-ite thinktank Policy Exchange has been open about its aversion to a policy of more selective education.

The Guardian

"People will be more wary of giving interviews, and probably much more selective both about those to whom they speak, and about what they are prepared to say.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing decision-making processes, use "selective" to emphasize a deliberate and thoughtful approach to choosing specific options from a broader set.

Common error

Avoid using "selective" without providing context about what is being selected and the criteria for selection. Clarify the basis for being selective to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "selective" primarily functions to qualify nouns, indicating a process or characteristic involving careful choice or discrimination. As Ludwig AI confirms, this word is commonly used and understood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "selective" is a versatile adjective used to describe processes, individuals, or entities characterized by careful choice and discrimination. As Ludwig AI points out, the term is grammatically correct and widely used in written English. It appears most frequently in News & Media sources and is also common in Formal & Business and Science contexts. When using "selective", ensure you provide adequate context to clarify the criteria or basis for the selection. Consider synonyms like "discriminating" or "choosy" to fine-tune the specific nuance of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discriminating

Refers to having refined taste or judgment.

choosy

Implies being careful in making choices, often with a preference for quality.

particular

Suggests paying attention to specific details and preferences.

discerning

Indicates having keen insight and judgment in making selections.

discriminative

Capable of making fine distinctions; closely related to "discriminating".

fastidious

Implies excessive attention to detail and being difficult to please.

fussy

Suggests being overly concerned with minor details when choosing.

critical

Involves careful evaluation and judgment.

strategic

Related to selecting with a specific purpose or goal in mind.

exclusive

Suggests limiting choices to a select group or category.

FAQs

How can I use "selective" in a sentence?

You can use "selective" to describe someone who is choosy, like "He is very "selective" about the restaurants he goes to", or to describe a process that involves careful selection, such as "The college has a highly "selective" admissions process".

What are some synonyms for "selective"?

Some synonyms for "selective" include "discriminating", "choosy", "particular", and "discerning". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone has "selective memory"?

Yes, "selective memory" is a common idiom. It refers to the tendency to remember some things but not others, often in a way that is self-serving or convenient.

What's the difference between "selective" and "subjective"?

"Selective" implies a deliberate choice based on specific criteria, while "subjective" implies something based on personal feelings or opinions. A "selective" process aims to choose the best options, while a "subjective" judgment is based on individual preferences.