a few picks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few picks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of selections or choices, often in contexts like sports, photography, or recommendations. Example: "Here are a few picks for the best restaurants in town that you should try."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

How much better will we get by drafting a quarterback, or how much better will you get by getting a few picks later on?

The New York Times

My co-owner, Josh Paley from BaseballHQ.com, and I didn't win Murphy last season, but we did win a playoff series and had traded a few picks to further our playoff run.

The New York Times

In the spring of 1950 Lloyd, who played collegiate basketball at West Virginia State College, was the second black player to be drafted by an NBA team; Chuck Cooper had been chosen by the Boston Celtics a few picks before Lloyd's selection by the Washington Capitols.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Our table shows a few picks from Maureen Cullinane, plus some from our own screens.

Forbes

Speaking of cell phones, here are a few picks from each major that I think will cover the basics, like making calls and getting e-mails.

TechCrunch

Below are a few picks, captioned with the photographers' thoughts.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

(Most listed new books, but a few picked older favorites).

The New Yorker

(Most listed new books, but a few picked older favorites or ones that will come out in the new year).

The New Yorker

Mr. Adair has little experience of an umpire's perspective, having umpired only a few pick-up games.

The New York Times

In an interview in December, Petrus said the demands of being an offensive lineman in the N.F.L. had reduced his music playing to little more than a few picked chords here and there before heading to bed.

The New York Times

Many correctly called this award, while a few picked Lincoln as the favorite.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few picks", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being selected or chosen. This phrase is appropriate when highlighting a limited selection from a larger set of possibilities.

Common error

While "a few picks" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing it in formal documents like academic papers or business reports. Opt for more precise or sophisticated language such as "several selections" or "a limited number of options" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few picks" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, indicating a small, indefinite quantity of selections. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is considered grammatically sound and appropriate in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a few picks" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate a small number of selections or choices. While versatile, Ludwig AI suggests that its informal tone might not always be suitable for formal writing. Common contexts include news, media, and general recommendations. For more formal writing, consider using alternatives such as "several selections" or "a limited number of options". The phrase finds its most frequent use in media contexts and less so in academic or strictly scientific environments. Therefore, use "a few picks" when you want to suggest a limited list of selections but be mindful of your desired register!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several selections

Implies a slightly larger number and more formal choice compared to "a few picks".

some choices

A more general and less specific alternative, suitable for various contexts.

a handful of options

Suggests a small, manageable number of choices available.

a couple of selections

Indicates a very small number of choices, typically two.

a limited number of picks

Highlights the restricted quantity of choices.

selected items

Focuses on the result of a selection process, rather than the act of choosing.

chosen alternatives

Emphasizes the deliberate selection of different options.

a small assortment

Implies a collection of different items, typically for sale or display.

certain preferences

Shifts the focus to personal taste or inclination rather than explicit selection.

recommended options

Emphasizes that the choices are being suggested by someone.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "a few picks"?

You can use alternatives like "several selections", "some choices", or "a handful of options" depending on the context.

Is "a few picks" formal or informal?

"A few picks" leans towards the informal side. For more formal settings, consider using phrases like "selected items" or "a limited number of picks".

How do I use "a few picks" in a sentence?

You can use "a few picks" to refer to a small selection of items. For example, "Here are a few picks from the new collection" or "The editor highlighted a few picks for the upcoming issue."

What's the difference between "a few picks" and "a couple of picks"?

"A couple of picks" specifically refers to two selections, while "a few picks" implies a small number, typically more than two but less than several.