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Prepositions with nouns

Of selection or for selection?

For selection is common when something is being considered. Of selection usually appears in larger phrases.

Quick answer

Use for selection when something is being considered

For selection means available or considered for choosing. Of selection is uncommon alone, but selection of something is very common.

These candidates are for selection in the final round.
The committee reviewed the items for selection.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
for selection

Items or people being considered

Use for selection when choices are under review.

Three designs are for selection this week.
2
selection of + thing

The act of choosing

Use selection of with the chosen item or group.

The selection of candidates took two days.
3
selection from + group

Choosing out of a larger set

Use from for the source group.

The final team was a selection from 200 applicants.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
for selection
The photos are ready for selection.
Available to be chosen.
of selection
Of selection is uncommon alone.
Usually replaced by selection of.
selection of
The selection of speakers was difficult.
The process or result of choosing.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using of selection as a fixed phrase

English normally uses selection of.

✕ The of selection process was delayed. ✓ The selection of candidates was delayed.

Using for selection after selection

Selection usually takes of, not for, after the noun itself.

✕ The selection for students took hours. ✓ The selection of students took hours.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The paintings are ready ___ selection.
2. The selection ___ staff members begins tomorrow.
3. Which phrase is generally nonstandard alone?

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Frequently asked questions

What does for selection mean?

It means available or being considered for choosing.

Can selection be followed by for?

Yes, but usually in phrases like ready for selection, not selection for by itself.

Is selection countable?

Yes. You can say a selection of books or several selections.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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