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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
to be select
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "to be select" is not correct in standard written English.
It seems to be an incorrect form of "to be selected" or "to be selective." Example: "In order to be selected for the team, you must meet all the qualifications."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Wiki
Independent
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
3 human-written examples
I try not to be select in that way, but I have had only female assistants who I've chosen.
News & Media
Students reserve the right to be select, but they shouldn't be too picky.
News & Media
For example, if you are searching for web pages that contain the phrase "to be or not to be," select the search parameter that reads "This exact phrase".
Wiki
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
48 human-written examples
For server-selected fingerprints, appropriate parameters need to be selected.
Science
How likely to be selected eventually?
News & Media
An artist has yet to be selected.
News & Media
"It's an honour to be selected.
News & Media
Judges have yet to be selected.
News & Media
Sound effects needed to be selected.
News & Media
The weekly competition to be selected to play.
News & Media
Those who wish to be selected need to show themselves.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "to be selected" or "to be selective" instead of "to be select" for grammatically correct phrasing.
Common error
Avoid using "select" as a passive verb form. "Select" is an adjective; therefore, use the correct passive form "to be selected" or "to be selective" depending on the intended meaning.
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "to be select" functions incorrectly as it attempts to use the adjective 'select' in a passive verb construction. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is not standard English. The correct form would involve using the past participle of the verb 'select', resulting in 'to be selected'.
Frequent in
News & Media
33%
Wiki
33%
Independent
33%
Less common in
Science
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "to be select" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal and informal writing. As Ludwig AI pointed out, the correct phrasing is "to be selected" or "to be selective", depending on the intended meaning. While examples do exist, they appear to be instances of incorrect usage rather than established idiomatic expressions. It is best to stick with established grammatical norms to ensure clarity and credibility in your writing.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
to be selected
A more formal and common alternative, highlighting the process of making a choice.
to be chosen
Emphasizes the act of being picked from a group, focusing on the result of a selection process.
to be the one chosen
Emphasizes the uniqueness and specialness of being selected.
to be preferred
Indicates a higher desirability or suitability compared to other options.
to be picked out
Suggests a selection based on specific criteria or characteristics.
to be handpicked
Stresses the careful and deliberate nature of the selection.
to be favored
Implies a bias or inclination towards one option over others.
to be appointed
Implies a formal assignment or designation to a specific role or position.
to be designated
Highlights the act of officially naming or assigning something for a particular purpose.
to be the candidate
Focuses on the state of being a person regarded as suitable for a role or position
FAQs
What is the correct way to use "select" in a passive construction?
The correct passive construction is "to be selected". "Select" is an adjective. So, the verb must be formed using the past participle, as in "to be selected".
Is "to be select" grammatically correct?
No, "to be select" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrasing is "to be selected" or "to be selective".
When should I use "to be selected" versus "to be selective"?
"To be selected" implies being chosen from a group. "To be selective" means being careful and discriminating in one's choices.
What are some alternatives to "to be selected"?
Alternatives include "to be chosen", "to be picked", or "to be appointed", depending on the context.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested