Difference between “choose” and “select”
These two words are often used interchangeably and the greatest difference I can find between the two is "choose" for choosing multiple items from a set, and "select" for selecting a single item from a set. Are there other qualifiers to consider and is this singular/plural distinction on the right track?
So, really, what is the difference between the two, if any?
word-choice meaning differences
edited Feb 17 '11 at 17:28
Manoochehr
7,203134273
add a comment |
These two words are often used interchangeably and the greatest difference I can find between the two is "choose" for choosing multiple items from a set, and "select" for selecting a single item from a set. Are there other qualifiers to consider and is this singular/plural distinction on the right track?
So, really, what is the difference between the two, if any?
word-choice meaning differences
edited Feb 17 '11 at 17:28
Manoochehr
7,203134273
I don't think so. There is really nothing strange in the thought of "selecting three items" from a list (for instance). The only distinction that comes to mind is context: one might be less inclined to say they "selected" the left fork in the road, but this has nothing to do with quantity...
– horatio
Feb 17 '11 at 16:40
horatio, if nothing to do with quantity, then what makes the distinction between the two, if any?
– user5163
Feb 17 '11 at 16:48
I would rather not say, because I haven't thought much about it (which is why I didn't make an answer). My instinct is that they can be used interchangeably.
– horatio
Feb 17 '11 at 16:53
1
I do agree with what others have said, but I would add that select can imply some notion of competition, while choose does not. For example, I would say “Harvard selects the best students based on essays”, and substituting chooses in that sentence would look bad.
– F'x
Feb 17 '11 at 19:27
Btw: this question is tagged word-choice
– Jo So
Aug 6 '14 at 1:34
add a comment |
These two words are often used interchangeably and the greatest difference I can find between the two is "choose" for choosing multiple items from a set, and "select" for selecting a single item from a set. Are there other qualifiers to consider and is this singular/plural distinction on the right track?
So, really, what is the difference between the two, if any?
word-choice meaning differences
edited Feb 17 '11 at 17:28
Manoochehr
7,203134273
These two words are often used interchangeably and the greatest difference I can find between the two is "choose" for choosing multiple items from a set, and "select" for selecting a single item from a set. Are there other qualifiers to consider and is this singular/plural distinction on the right track?
So, really, what is the difference between the two, if any?
word-choice meaning differences
word-choice meaning differences
edited Feb 17 '11 at 17:28
Manoochehr
7,203134273
edited Feb 17 '11 at 17:28
Manoochehr
7,203134273
edited Feb 17 '11 at 17:28
Manoochehr
7,203134273
edited Feb 17 '11 at 17:28
Manoochehr
7,203134273
edited Feb 17 '11 at 17:28
Manoochehr
7,203134273
7,203134273
asked Feb 17 '11 at 16:27
user5163
I don't think so. There is really nothing strange in the thought of "selecting three items" from a list (for instance). The only distinction that comes to mind is context: one might be less inclined to say they "selected" the left fork in the road, but this has nothing to do with quantity...
– horatio
Feb 17 '11 at 16:40
horatio, if nothing to do with quantity, then what makes the distinction between the two, if any?
– user5163
Feb 17 '11 at 16:48
I would rather not say, because I haven't thought much about it (which is why I didn't make an answer). My instinct is that they can be used interchangeably.
– horatio
Feb 17 '11 at 16:53
1
I do agree with what others have said, but I would add that select can imply some notion of competition, while choose does not. For example, I would say “Harvard selects the best students based on essays”, and substituting chooses in that sentence would look bad.
– F'x
Feb 17 '11 at 19:27
Btw: this question is tagged word-choice
– Jo So
Aug 6 '14 at 1:34
add a comment |
I don't think so. There is really nothing strange in the thought of "selecting three items" from a list (for instance). The only distinction that comes to mind is context: one might be less inclined to say they "selected" the left fork in the road, but this has nothing to do with quantity...
– horatio
Feb 17 '11 at 16:40
horatio, if nothing to do with quantity, then what makes the distinction between the two, if any?
– user5163
Feb 17 '11 at 16:48
I would rather not say, because I haven't thought much about it (which is why I didn't make an answer). My instinct is that they can be used interchangeably.
– horatio
Feb 17 '11 at 16:53
1
I do agree with what others have said, but I would add that select can imply some notion of competition, while choose does not. For example, I would say “Harvard selects the best students based on essays”, and substituting chooses in that sentence would look bad.
– F'x
Feb 17 '11 at 19:27
Btw: this question is tagged word-choice
– Jo So
Aug 6 '14 at 1:34
I don't think so. There is really nothing strange in the thought of "selecting three items" from a list (for instance). The only distinction that comes to mind is context: one might be less inclined to say they "selected" the left fork in the road, but this has nothing to do with quantity...
– horatio
Feb 17 '11 at 16:40
I don't think so. There is really nothing strange in the thought of "selecting three items" from a list (for instance). The only distinction that comes to mind is context: one might be less inclined to say they "selected" the left fork in the road, but this has nothing to do with quantity...
– horatio
Feb 17 '11 at 16:40
horatio, if nothing to do with quantity, then what makes the distinction between the two, if any?
– user5163
Feb 17 '11 at 16:48
horatio, if nothing to do with quantity, then what makes the distinction between the two, if any?
– user5163
Feb 17 '11 at 16:48
I would rather not say, because I haven't thought much about it (which is why I didn't make an answer). My instinct is that they can be used interchangeably.
– horatio
Feb 17 '11 at 16:53
I would rather not say, because I haven't thought much about it (which is why I didn't make an answer). My instinct is that they can be used interchangeably.
– horatio
Feb 17 '11 at 16:53
1
1
I do agree with what others have said, but I would add that select can imply some notion of competition, while choose does not. For example, I would say “Harvard selects the best students based on essays”, and substituting chooses in that sentence would look bad.
– F'x
Feb 17 '11 at 19:27
I do agree with what others have said, but I would add that select can imply some notion of competition, while choose does not. For example, I would say “Harvard selects the best students based on essays”, and substituting chooses in that sentence would look bad.
– F'x
Feb 17 '11 at 19:27
Btw: this question is tagged word-choice
– Jo So
Aug 6 '14 at 1:34
Btw: this question is tagged word-choice
– Jo So
Aug 6 '14 at 1:34
add a comment |
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
Select means to carefully choose; it also means to use a mouse or keystrokes to mark something on a computer screen.
In both the cases, the number of things chosen or marked does not influence which verb is used.
answered Feb 17 '11 at 17:05
kiamlalunokiamlaluno
43.7k56181296
2
I think this is indeed the case, selecting something seems more well thought over then choosing something. Choosing seems more random then selecting.
– Timo Willemsen
Feb 17 '11 at 17:25
add a comment |
In addition to what you said,
According to Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Select is more formal than choose, and in everyday English, people usually say choose rather than select.
Also there's a homophone for choose which is chews.
According to Merriam-Webster
choose: to have a preference for or to select freely and after consideration
select: to choose (as by fitness or excellence) from a number or group
I checked some other sources. In all of them the difference between select and choose is not considered important. so I think maybe it's a better idea not to be fussy about it!
answered Feb 17 '11 at 17:09
ManoochehrManoochehr
7,203134273
note also that "a choice [item]" means "a [really good] [premium] [excellent] [carefully selected] item" which (again) points to a very strong similarity in meaning and usage.
– horatio
Feb 17 '11 at 17:19
add a comment |
Selection is done after evaluation of some qualities of something.
Choose is done based on self interest and preference about something.
edited Sep 17 '12 at 10:46
RegDwigнt♦
83.2k31281380
answered Sep 17 '12 at 9:59
ABDUL MOHSENABDUL MOHSEN
37
2
This answer can be improved by citing facts and references that demonstrate its correctness.
– MetaEd♦
Sep 17 '12 at 13:53
add a comment |
protected by RegDwigнt♦ Sep 17 '12 at 10:46
Thank you for your interest in this question.
Because it has attracted low-quality or spam answers that had to be removed, posting an answer now requires 10 reputation on this site (the association bonus does not count).
Would you like to answer one of these unanswered questions instead?
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
Select means to carefully choose; it also means to use a mouse or keystrokes to mark something on a computer screen.
In both the cases, the number of things chosen or marked does not influence which verb is used.
answered Feb 17 '11 at 17:05
kiamlalunokiamlaluno
43.7k56181296
2
I think this is indeed the case, selecting something seems more well thought over then choosing something. Choosing seems more random then selecting.
– Timo Willemsen
Feb 17 '11 at 17:25
add a comment |
Select means to carefully choose; it also means to use a mouse or keystrokes to mark something on a computer screen.
In both the cases, the number of things chosen or marked does not influence which verb is used.
answered Feb 17 '11 at 17:05
kiamlalunokiamlaluno
43.7k56181296
2
I think this is indeed the case, selecting something seems more well thought over then choosing something. Choosing seems more random then selecting.
– Timo Willemsen
Feb 17 '11 at 17:25
add a comment |
Select means to carefully choose; it also means to use a mouse or keystrokes to mark something on a computer screen.
In both the cases, the number of things chosen or marked does not influence which verb is used.
answered Feb 17 '11 at 17:05
kiamlalunokiamlaluno
43.7k56181296
Select means to carefully choose; it also means to use a mouse or keystrokes to mark something on a computer screen.
In both the cases, the number of things chosen or marked does not influence which verb is used.
answered Feb 17 '11 at 17:05
kiamlalunokiamlaluno
43.7k56181296
edited 9 hours ago
answered Feb 17 '11 at 17:05
kiamlalunokiamlaluno
43.7k56181296
answered Feb 17 '11 at 17:05
kiamlalunokiamlaluno
43.7k56181296
answered Feb 17 '11 at 17:05
kiamlalunokiamlaluno
43.7k56181296
43.7k56181296
2
I think this is indeed the case, selecting something seems more well thought over then choosing something. Choosing seems more random then selecting.
– Timo Willemsen
Feb 17 '11 at 17:25
add a comment |
2
I think this is indeed the case, selecting something seems more well thought over then choosing something. Choosing seems more random then selecting.
– Timo Willemsen
Feb 17 '11 at 17:25
2
2
I think this is indeed the case, selecting something seems more well thought over then choosing something. Choosing seems more random then selecting.
– Timo Willemsen
Feb 17 '11 at 17:25
I think this is indeed the case, selecting something seems more well thought over then choosing something. Choosing seems more random then selecting.
– Timo Willemsen
Feb 17 '11 at 17:25
add a comment |
In addition to what you said,
According to Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Select is more formal than choose, and in everyday English, people usually say choose rather than select.
Also there's a homophone for choose which is chews.
According to Merriam-Webster
choose: to have a preference for or to select freely and after consideration
select: to choose (as by fitness or excellence) from a number or group
I checked some other sources. In all of them the difference between select and choose is not considered important. so I think maybe it's a better idea not to be fussy about it!
answered Feb 17 '11 at 17:09
ManoochehrManoochehr
7,203134273
note also that "a choice [item]" means "a [really good] [premium] [excellent] [carefully selected] item" which (again) points to a very strong similarity in meaning and usage.
– horatio
Feb 17 '11 at 17:19
add a comment |
In addition to what you said,
According to Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Select is more formal than choose, and in everyday English, people usually say choose rather than select.
Also there's a homophone for choose which is chews.
According to Merriam-Webster
choose: to have a preference for or to select freely and after consideration
select: to choose (as by fitness or excellence) from a number or group
I checked some other sources. In all of them the difference between select and choose is not considered important. so I think maybe it's a better idea not to be fussy about it!
answered Feb 17 '11 at 17:09
ManoochehrManoochehr
7,203134273
note also that "a choice [item]" means "a [really good] [premium] [excellent] [carefully selected] item" which (again) points to a very strong similarity in meaning and usage.
– horatio
Feb 17 '11 at 17:19
add a comment |
In addition to what you said,
According to Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Select is more formal than choose, and in everyday English, people usually say choose rather than select.
Also there's a homophone for choose which is chews.
According to Merriam-Webster
choose: to have a preference for or to select freely and after consideration
select: to choose (as by fitness or excellence) from a number or group
I checked some other sources. In all of them the difference between select and choose is not considered important. so I think maybe it's a better idea not to be fussy about it!
answered Feb 17 '11 at 17:09
ManoochehrManoochehr
7,203134273
In addition to what you said,
According to Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Select is more formal than choose, and in everyday English, people usually say choose rather than select.
Also there's a homophone for choose which is chews.
According to Merriam-Webster
choose: to have a preference for or to select freely and after consideration
select: to choose (as by fitness or excellence) from a number or group
I checked some other sources. In all of them the difference between select and choose is not considered important. so I think maybe it's a better idea not to be fussy about it!
answered Feb 17 '11 at 17:09
ManoochehrManoochehr
7,203134273
answered Feb 17 '11 at 17:09
ManoochehrManoochehr
7,203134273
answered Feb 17 '11 at 17:09
ManoochehrManoochehr
7,203134273
answered Feb 17 '11 at 17:09
ManoochehrManoochehr
7,203134273
7,203134273
note also that "a choice [item]" means "a [really good] [premium] [excellent] [carefully selected] item" which (again) points to a very strong similarity in meaning and usage.
– horatio
Feb 17 '11 at 17:19
add a comment |
note also that "a choice [item]" means "a [really good] [premium] [excellent] [carefully selected] item" which (again) points to a very strong similarity in meaning and usage.
– horatio
Feb 17 '11 at 17:19
note also that "a choice [item]" means "a [really good] [premium] [excellent] [carefully selected] item" which (again) points to a very strong similarity in meaning and usage.
– horatio
Feb 17 '11 at 17:19
note also that "a choice [item]" means "a [really good] [premium] [excellent] [carefully selected] item" which (again) points to a very strong similarity in meaning and usage.
– horatio
Feb 17 '11 at 17:19
add a comment |
Selection is done after evaluation of some qualities of something.
Choose is done based on self interest and preference about something.
edited Sep 17 '12 at 10:46
RegDwigнt♦
83.2k31281380
answered Sep 17 '12 at 9:59
ABDUL MOHSENABDUL MOHSEN
37
2
This answer can be improved by citing facts and references that demonstrate its correctness.
– MetaEd♦
Sep 17 '12 at 13:53
add a comment |
Selection is done after evaluation of some qualities of something.
Choose is done based on self interest and preference about something.
edited Sep 17 '12 at 10:46
RegDwigнt♦
83.2k31281380
answered Sep 17 '12 at 9:59
ABDUL MOHSENABDUL MOHSEN
37
2
This answer can be improved by citing facts and references that demonstrate its correctness.
– MetaEd♦
Sep 17 '12 at 13:53
add a comment |
Selection is done after evaluation of some qualities of something.
Choose is done based on self interest and preference about something.
edited Sep 17 '12 at 10:46
RegDwigнt♦
83.2k31281380
answered Sep 17 '12 at 9:59
ABDUL MOHSENABDUL MOHSEN
37
Selection is done after evaluation of some qualities of something.
Choose is done based on self interest and preference about something.
edited Sep 17 '12 at 10:46
RegDwigнt♦
83.2k31281380
answered Sep 17 '12 at 9:59
ABDUL MOHSENABDUL MOHSEN
37
edited Sep 17 '12 at 10:46
RegDwigнt♦
83.2k31281380
edited Sep 17 '12 at 10:46
RegDwigнt♦
83.2k31281380
edited Sep 17 '12 at 10:46
RegDwigнt♦
83.2k31281380
83.2k31281380
answered Sep 17 '12 at 9:59
ABDUL MOHSENABDUL MOHSEN
37
answered Sep 17 '12 at 9:59
ABDUL MOHSENABDUL MOHSEN
37
answered Sep 17 '12 at 9:59
ABDUL MOHSENABDUL MOHSEN
37
37
2
This answer can be improved by citing facts and references that demonstrate its correctness.
– MetaEd♦
Sep 17 '12 at 13:53
add a comment |
2
This answer can be improved by citing facts and references that demonstrate its correctness.
– MetaEd♦
Sep 17 '12 at 13:53
2
2
This answer can be improved by citing facts and references that demonstrate its correctness.
– MetaEd♦
Sep 17 '12 at 13:53
This answer can be improved by citing facts and references that demonstrate its correctness.
– MetaEd♦
Sep 17 '12 at 13:53
add a comment |
protected by RegDwigнt♦ Sep 17 '12 at 10:46
Thank you for your interest in this question.
Because it has attracted low-quality or spam answers that had to be removed, posting an answer now requires 10 reputation on this site (the association bonus does not count).
Would you like to answer one of these unanswered questions instead?
I don't think so. There is really nothing strange in the thought of "selecting three items" from a list (for instance). The only distinction that comes to mind is context: one might be less inclined to say they "selected" the left fork in the road, but this has nothing to do with quantity...
– horatio
Feb 17 '11 at 16:40
horatio, if nothing to do with quantity, then what makes the distinction between the two, if any?
– user5163
Feb 17 '11 at 16:48
I would rather not say, because I haven't thought much about it (which is why I didn't make an answer). My instinct is that they can be used interchangeably.
– horatio
Feb 17 '11 at 16:53
1
I do agree with what others have said, but I would add that select can imply some notion of competition, while choose does not. For example, I would say “Harvard selects the best students based on essays”, and substituting chooses in that sentence would look bad.
– F'x
Feb 17 '11 at 19:27
Btw: this question is tagged word-choice
– Jo So
Aug 6 '14 at 1:34