elect

To elect someone is to choose that person for a position in government or some other organization.

• The team members elected a new captain.
• Voters elect their representatives.
• Barack Obama was elected President in 2008 and 2012. (This sentence uses "elect" in the passive voice, past tense.)
• Who would you have wanted to see elected President in 2016? (Whether you live in the United States or not, this is how to ask about a past, alternative outcome.)

The word "elect" can be used to describe situations that are not elections but do involve a choice. In this case, an infinitive often follows the verb "elect."

• The company elected to move its headquarters to a new location.
• The patient elected to have the surgery done with only a local anesthesia.

The words "elective" and "electoral" are adjectives.

• Most elective medical procedures are not covered by health insurance.
• In addition to the general course load, students need at least three elective courses. (elective course = an extra course, usually one that reflects a personal interest.)
• Donald Trump won the electoral college vote, but Hillary Clinton won the popular vote by over three million votes.

The word "election" is a noun.

• There was an election last November.
• A majority of Americans are surprised by the election results for President.
• The next election is in 2018.

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Date of publication: February 6, 2017