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http://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/03/opinion/opinionspecial/3LIfirey.html?pagewanted=print&position =
"The change is understandable. Drivers like the convenience of buying gas and other necessities at the same time. Meanwhile, they get their tires and batteries at large retailers like Sears and Wal-Mart that offer more selection and lower prices."

According to dictionaries, "selection" in the sense of a collection of products is countable. So is "selection" used wrongly in the example? Would replacing "more selection" with "a bigger selection" fix the problem?

Doctor D · Accepted Answer

Yes, "more selection" is not formally correct. A bigger selection or a larger selection would be better usage.

SheltieBites · Answer

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/30/travel/practical-traveler-web-merchants-go-global.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm

"The result is significantly more selection and lower fares than were previously available, and a much deeper selection than can be found on other full-service travel sites. "

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/21/business/worldbusiness/21iht-rtrdeal22.1.10262685.html

" 'People are focusing a lot on quality and brand name, not land bank,' Ho said. 'There'll be more selection in the market for investors, in terms of geography, land bank, brand name and market segment,' he added, referring to upcoming IPOs."

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/06/business/06grocery.html?pagewanted=print

" 'Whole Foods has redefined the landscape of what a grocery store is,' Mr. Hartman said. 'That means more fresh items, bigger produce sections, more selection for natural and organic foods and more prepared foods. It also means creating an enjoyable experience for shoppers.' "

The nonstandard uncountable usage of "selection" seems to be quite common in New York. Could this be a east coast regionalism?

CalifJim · Answer

SheltieBitesAccording to dictionaries, "selection" in the sense of a collection of products is countable.

Most nouns in dictionaries are labeled with "countable" or "uncountable" only for the most usual uses, if they're labeled at all. In fact, many nouns can be used either way.

selection

2 : one that is selected : choice; also : a collection of selected things

choice

4 : a number and variety to choose among <a plan with a wide choice of options>
___________________________

So the example could have been <a plan with a wide selection of options>

That said, I have to say that "more selection" sounds a little weird to me.

CJ

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/choice
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/selection

SheltieBites · Answer

So,

"A store offers more selection."
is an unusual use, and

"A store offers a more selection."
is a usual use?

CalifJim · Answer

SheltieBitesSo, "A store offers more selection."is an unusual use, and "A store offers a more selection."is a usual use?

No. I think you mistook what I wrote.

... offers more selection ... is a bit weird to my ear.
... offers more choice ... sounds good to me.
... offers a wider selection ... sounds good.
... offers a wider choice ... sounds good.

CJ

SheltieBites · Answer

Reposting the third post:
-------------------------------------------
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/30/travel/practical-traveler-web-merchants-go-global.html?pagewant...
"The result is significantly more selection and lower fares than were previously available, and a much deeper selection than can be found on other full-service travel sites. "

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/21/business/worldbusiness/21iht-rtrdeal22.1.10262685.html
" 'People are focusing a lot on quality and brand name, not land bank,' Ho said. 'There'll be more selection in the market for investors, in terms of geography, land bank, brand name and market segment,' he added, referring to upcoming IPOs."

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/06/business/06grocery.html?pagewanted=print
" 'Whole Foods has redefined the landscape of what a grocery store is,' Mr. Hartman said. 'That means more fresh items, bigger produce sections, more selection for natural and organic foods and more prepared foods. It also means creating an enjoyable experience for shoppers.' "
----------------------------

Does this mean NY Times use weird constructions to sell papers?

CalifJim · Answer

SheltieBitesDoes this mean NY Times use weird constructions to sell papers?

What do you think?

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