selective language

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "selective language" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the use of specific words or phrases that are chosen carefully to convey a particular meaning or to influence perception. Example: "The politician's speech was filled with selective language, aiming to evoke a specific emotional response from the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Arrowsmith explains that selective language is a large part of maintaining the "very professional environment" at the store where he works.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

All the factors previously invoked as directly selective of language and/or cooperation, from theory of mind to group selection, would have come into play.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Several theories have been proposed to explain why some children have a selective problem in language acquisition, a condition known as specific language impairment (SLI).

Brain and Language

Progressive selective deterioration of language is caused by cerebral lesions involved in processes of language elaboration and is characteristic of several forms of dementia such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Frontemporal dementia (FTD), that are neurodegenerative dementia and epidemiologically relevant.

BMC Geriatrics

One of the major concerns may be the bias due to selective publication and language bias derived from the fact that the screened references of papers published in languages other than English and Chinese were not included.

BioMed Research International

One of the first behavioral studies that supported the language selective access hypothesis is the study from Gerard and Scarborough (1989).

Cerebral Cortex

This agrees with other studies on the relative contribution of hearing and distributed cognitive functions such as processing speed, working memory, and selective attention to language abilities in older adults.

Clinical interventions in aging

An analysis of the selective scenarios for language [ 57] concluded that none of them could account for all the criteria established for evaluation: honesty, groundedness, power of generalization and uniqueness.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Thus, according to the language-membership principle, a bilingual aphasic individual is likely to show selective recovery in one language while the other is lost (see [ 7, 8]).

Behavioral and Brain Functions

Modern foreign languages are increasingly seen as elitist, kept alive by the independent sector and selective grammar or specialist language colleges in the state sector, says Fiona Harris, the multilingual officer at the EU's offices in London.

The Guardian - Business

The present study seeks to isolate top-down focus on linguistic aspects of auditory words by controlling for confounding factors (stimulation type and differences in the overall level of attentional demands) in order to test the hypothesis that selective auditory attention to language modulates responses in cortical regions involved in speech processing.

Cerebral Cortex

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "selective language", be aware of the potential for bias and ensure your word choices accurately reflect the intended meaning. Consider the impact on your audience and strive for clarity and fairness.

Common error

Avoid overusing the phrase "selective language" as it can imply a negative intention of manipulation. Use it judiciously when you want to highlight a deliberate choice of words with a specific purpose, but be mindful of potential negative connotations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "selective language" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe a deliberate choice of words, often to convey a specific meaning or influence perception.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

54%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "selective language" is a phrase used to describe the deliberate choice of words to convey a specific meaning or influence perception. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, though its frequency is rare. The phrase tends to appear in news and scientific contexts. When using "selective language", be aware of potential negative connotations and strive for clarity. Alternatives include "biased language" or "carefully chosen words", depending on the intended meaning. While the usage contexts can range from formal to neutral, it is important to remain cognizant of potentially pejorative implications due to the phrase's frequent association with news and science, as seen in the examples discovered by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

biased language

This alternative directly implies a predisposition or slant in the language used.

carefully chosen words

This phrase highlights the deliberate selection of words for a specific purpose.

deliberate phrasing

This emphasizes the intentional construction of phrases to achieve a particular effect.

strategic communication

This term focuses on the overall communication strategy and its calculated use of language.

artful rhetoric

This suggests skillful and persuasive use of language, often with a hint of manipulation.

slanted vocabulary

This highlights the biased or skewed nature of the vocabulary used.

manipulative language

This alternative carries a stronger negative connotation, implying an intent to deceive.

loaded language

This describes language that is emotionally charged and designed to evoke a strong reaction.

tactical wording

This emphasizes the use of specific words to achieve a tactical advantage.

filtered expression

This implies that the language has been carefully screened or censored.

FAQs

What does "selective language" mean?

"Selective language" refers to the careful choice of words or phrases to convey a specific meaning, often with the intent to influence perception or evoke a particular emotional response.

How can I use "selective language" effectively?

Use "selective language" consciously to highlight certain aspects of a situation or argument. Be mindful of the potential for bias and strive for clarity and accuracy in your word choices.

What are some alternatives to "selective language"?

You can use alternatives such as "biased language", "carefully chosen words", or "deliberate phrasing" depending on the specific context.

Is using "selective language" always negative?

Not necessarily. While it can imply manipulation or bias, "selective language" can also be used neutrally to describe the deliberate and thoughtful choice of words for effective communication. The context determines the connotation.