What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
elected
Example
The people elected him as their representative in the parliament. [elected: verb]
Example
The elected officials are responsible for making important decisions on behalf of the community. [elected: adjective]
selected
Example
I selected this book from the library because it looked interesting. [selected: verb]
Example
The selected candidate will be notified by email. [selected: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Selected is more commonly used than elected in everyday language, as it can be applied to a wider range of contexts. However, elected is more common in political contexts and formal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between elected and selected?
Elected is generally considered more formal than selected, as it is associated with politics and official decision-making processes. However, both words can be used in formal contexts depending on the situation.