selectively

USAGE SUMMARY

"selectively" is a valid and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe an action that is done in a specific or particular manner; for example, "The team chose to be selectively aggressive in their strategy, as they knew this would give them the best chance of winning the match."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Related: Charlie Hebdo row leads to Facebook fallout between Salman Rushdie and Francine Prose The letter, printed in full on The Intercept, says that by selecting Charlie Hebdo, PEN is "valorising selectively offensive material: material that intensifies the anti-Islamic, anti-Maghreb, anti-Arab sentiments already prevalent in the western world".

The Guardian - Books

This week the National Front selectively targeted elected representatives from Anwar's party in a questionable roundup by the anti-corruption agency.

The Guardian - Opinion

Where most new buildings wrap themselves in cladding, this selectively reveals its structure and workings, in a way that allows different degrees of scale, and of strength and delicacy, from sheer glass to robust steel, to the filigree workings of lifts.

The Guardian - Arts

While abolitionist groups scaremonger and selectively use statistics, I'm with the sex work advocacy groups that are fighting for our labour rights with increasing visibility in the media.

The Guardian - Opinion

It selectively quoted remarks Johnson had made about what shadow chancellor Ed Balls's spending plans meant for the deficit and the national debt.

The Guardian

The argument is also selectively applied.

The Guardian - Film

Obligingly, internet users who know they are being watched are more likely to exercise self-censorship in the first place.In addition some authoritarian states selectively block access to foreign websites that carry politically sensitive content, along with shutting down or harassing domestic opposition websites.

The Economist

You argue that the prior Millennium Development Goals had a decent record because they selectively focused on poverty reduction and a limited number of socio-economic goals.

The Economist

If it is promising, it is selectively bred with other fit offspring to see if the results, when subject to further mutation, can do even better.The idea of evolutionary algorithms is not new.

The Economist

But it is hard to avoid suspicions that the rules may be applied selectively to eliminate successful PPP candidates.A new constitution, narrowly passed in a recent referendum, reduces the number of lower-house seats from 500 to 480.

The Economist

Information is selectively leaked to reporters before the accused come to trial, often creating a presumption of guilt that is difficult to reverse, whether in court or in the public mind.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "selectively", ensure it's clear what criteria are being used for the selection. This adds transparency and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "selectively" without specifying what is being selected and why. Unclear application can make your writing appear biased or lacking in justification.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "selectively" modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate that an action or quality is applied in a specific, chosen manner. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage. For example, ""selectively" bred animals" indicates a deliberate breeding process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adverb "selectively" is frequently used to describe actions performed with careful choice and specific criteria. Ludwig AI analysis, based on numerous examples from reliable sources like The Economist and The Guardian, confirms its grammatical correctness and versatility across various contexts. When employing "selectively", ensure you clarify the basis for selection to enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives such as "in a discerning manner" or "with specific criteria" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a targeted fashion

Implies a focused approach to selection, aiming at specific goals or areas.

in a discriminating way

Highlights the ability to distinguish between options, choosing based on perceived differences.

in a discerning manner

Replaces "selectively" with a phrase emphasizing careful and refined judgment in the selection process.

with careful consideration

Underscores the thoughtfulness behind the selection, suggesting a detailed evaluation.

with deliberate choice

Emphasizes the intentional nature of the selection process, suggesting careful consideration.

with specific criteria

Focuses on the use of defined criteria to guide the selection process, rather than the act of selecting itself.

by employing discretion

Focuses on the use of good judgment and caution when making selections.

with particularity

Suggests a selection process that pays close attention to detail and specific requirements.

on a case-by-case basis

Highlights individual assessment in each instance, rather than a generalized method of selection.

based on preference

Highlights the subjective aspect of selection, where choices are guided by personal liking or values.

FAQs

How can I use "selectively" in a sentence?

You can use "selectively" to describe actions done with specific criteria or preference. For example, "The company "selectively" invests in renewable energy projects" means they don't invest in all projects, but choose specific ones.

What's an alternative to using "selectively" in my writing?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "in a discerning manner", "with specific criteria", or "in a targeted fashion" to convey a similar meaning.

What does it mean when someone applies rules "selectively"?

Applying rules "selectively" means the rules are not applied consistently to everyone or in every situation. It suggests that certain individuals or cases are favored or disfavored based on unstated or biased criteria.

Is it better to apply standards consistently or "selectively"?

Consistency in applying standards generally promotes fairness and avoids perceptions of bias. Applying standards "selectively" can lead to accusations of favoritism or discrimination, unless there's a clear and justifiable rationale for the different treatment.