selects

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "selects" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of choosing or picking something from a group or set. Example: "The software selects the best option based on the user's preferences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cheesy Name A GCHQ program that selects encryption keys that might be vulnerable to being cracked.

The Guardian

Question Time's rules on impartiality in the guests it selects were called into question when the ultra-rightwing British National Party chief Nick Griffin appeared on the show in 2009.

The Guardian

Sundance Selects has the option to postpone the US release of Blue for a year in the hope that it will be shortlisted for the 2015 Oscars, but it is unlikely to want to wait that long.

The Guardian - Film

The Co-operative Group risks entrenching power in the hands of its management if it adopts a proposal to change how it selects its directors, the embattled mutual's former group secretary has warned.

The Guardian - Business

The Mi store launch in the US, UK, France and Germany will be the five-year-old company's first steps beyond China and selects developing markets after struggling with litigation over alleged patent infringement.

The Guardian - Tech

As the prime minister selects his ministers, the key appointments may be those of the chief whip and the leader of the House of Lords, for I can see this becoming the most querulous and difficult parliament to manage since Jim Callaghan was brought down in 1979.

The Guardian - Opinion

The employee then filters the plans and selects his favourite again, as he might choose mutual funds in his defined-contribution pension plan.As Patty Conner, the exchange's director, explains, this has advantages over traditional corporate health insurance.

The Economist

Either way, whomever Etihad eventually selects, the Gulf carrier will have its work cut out in India.

The Economist

It selects around 125 finalists to spend three months in its "accelerator", where they get free working space, help from mentors, networking with investors and the encouragement of working alongside others facing similar challenges.

The Economist

Likewise, Union fury at secessionists for having started the whole horror show in the first place is understandable.Mr Doctorow's writing here is magnificent, the details he selects unerringly trenchant: "the wagon bumping over dead dogs every hound to be seen was shot through the head".

The Economist

The Kremlin distributes oil money via state banks to firms and projects which it selects on the basis of their political importance and their pro-Putin stance, rather than trusting the market to allocate capital to the most efficient firms.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about algorithms, "selects" is commonly employed to specify that an algorithm is programmatically picking a certain element

Common error

While "selects" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "picks" or "chooses" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

Selects" primarily functions as a verb, indicating the action of choosing or picking something from a set of options. As Ludwig confirms, the word is usable in written English. Examples demonstrate its role in describing decision-making processes, algorithmic choices, and evolutionary selection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

28%

Science

28%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "selects" is a versatile verb indicating the act of choosing or picking something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is perfectly correct and very common. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts. While grammatically sound, it's essential to consider the context and choose simpler alternatives like "chooses" or "picks" in informal settings. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase its varied usage, including algorithmic processes, formal appointments, and evolutionary concepts. Ultimately, "selects" is a reliable and useful term, especially in formal or scientific communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chooses

A direct synonym, indicating a deliberate decision between options.

picks

More informal than "selects", often used in casual contexts.

opts for

Suggests a considered decision, often involving weighing alternatives.

designates

Implies assigning a specific role or purpose.

appoints

Used for formally assigning someone to a position or task.

elects

Indicates selection through a voting process.

favors

Suggests a preference or bias towards a particular option.

settles on

Implies a final decision after considering other possibilities.

handpicks

Highlights careful and deliberate selection.

curates

Suggests a careful selection of items for a collection or exhibition.

FAQs

How do I use "selects" in a sentence?

"Selects" is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb "select". For example, "The algorithm "selects" the best option based on predefined criteria."

What can I say instead of "selects"?

You can use alternatives like "chooses", "picks", or "opts for" depending on the context.

When should I use "selects" versus "chooses"?

"Selects" is generally more formal than "chooses". Use "selects" in professional or academic writing, while "chooses" is suitable for more casual contexts.

Is it correct to say "selects for"?

Yes, "selects for" is a valid construction, especially in scientific contexts. For example, "Evolution "selects" for traits that enhance survival."