Started picking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Started picking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the beginning of an action, specifically the action of picking something, such as fruit or items. Example: "After the rain stopped, we started picking apples from the orchard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Isabelle Cossart started picking.

The New York Times - Magazine

They then started picking on this girl.

The Guardian

Soon news websites and television channels started picking it up.

The Guardian

"We started picking up the defensive intensity," Claxton said.

The New York Times - Sports

I just started picking up Urdu on the go.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

By the time I started picking it up, it was a little too late already".

The New York Times

Hope was resurrected briefly when Coraggioso rallied to the outside and started picking off rivals.

The New York Times - Sports

First the man, with a ponytail and fraying green pants, started picking up the trash.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, guests started picking off the wooden leaves, which meant that Thomas was constantly ordering replacements.

The New Yorker

Eventually, he started picking up an honest job here and there.

The New York Times

"Some people started picking on him because he was an easier target".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Started picking" to clearly indicate the beginning of a selection or gathering activity. For instance, "After the storm, the volunteers started picking up debris."

Common error

Avoid using "Started picking" without clarifying what is being picked. Always specify the object or item to maintain clarity. For example, instead of saying "They started picking", specify "They started picking apples."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Started picking" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the initiation of an action. As evidenced by Ludwig, it describes the beginning of the act of selecting, gathering, or choosing something. It often requires a direct object to specify what is being picked.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Started picking" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the initiation of a selection or gathering action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its prevalent use in diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. For clarity, always specify what is being picked to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "began selecting" or "commenced gathering" can be used to add nuance depending on the specific context. By understanding its function, purpose, and common errors, you can effectively use "Started picking" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Started to gather

A simpler and more direct alternative, focusing on the action of gathering.

Began selecting

Implies a more deliberate and thoughtful start to choosing something.

Commenced gathering

Suggests a more formal or organized initiation of collecting items.

Initiated choosing

Highlights the formal beginning of a selection process.

Took to gathering

Indicates a liking or inclination towards starting to collect.

Began harvesting

Specifically refers to the start of collecting crops or produce.

Embarked on picking

Emphasizes the beginning of a task, often one that is significant or adventurous.

Set about choosing

Suggests a practical and purposeful approach to beginning a selection.

Began to single out

Signifies the start of identifying specific items or individuals from a group.

Opened the selection process

Formally announces the start of a procedure for selecting something.

FAQs

How can I use "Started picking" in a sentence?

You can use "Started picking" to describe the beginning of a selection or gathering activity. For example, "She "started picking flowers" in the garden" or "He "started picking up the trash" after the event".

What are some alternatives to "Started picking"?

Some alternatives include "began selecting", "commenced gathering", or "initiated choosing", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "Started to pick" instead of "Started picking"?

Both "Started to pick" and "Started picking" are grammatically correct, but they can have slightly different nuances. "Started to pick" emphasizes the intention or process, while "Started picking" emphasizes the action itself. The choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "Started picking" and "Finished picking"?

"Started picking" indicates the commencement of the action, while "Finished picking" indicates its completion. They represent opposite ends of the same activity.