a handpicked group

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a handpicked group" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a selection of individuals who have been carefully chosen for a specific purpose or task. Example: "The committee was formed from a handpicked group of experts in the field to ensure the best outcomes for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

A handpicked group usually serves a choreographer's vision best.

The New York Times - Arts

Inside the prison, US military officials were escorting a handpicked group of reporters around.

The Guardian

Berenson pitted a select freshman team against a handpicked group of sophomores.

The New York Times - Sports

Earlier this month he invited a handpicked group of captains of finance and industry to the presidential palace.

The Economist

For several years, he held regular breakfast meetings with a handpicked group of 30 to 40 power players, ostensibly to brief them on the Republican agenda.

The New York Times

The audience cheers and bursts into applause and, one by one, a handpicked group of pupils take the microphone and ask him a question.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

The events themselves are open to non-portfolio startups and founders, but like the Kleiner, Greylock and GV events, these drinkups are a curated, handpicked group of potential and current entrepreneurs.

TechCrunch

MOSCOW — Just a year ago, Russian authorities were so proud of their success at bringing order to the north Caucasus that they made Chechnya a stop for the Valdai Discussion Club, the handpicked group of Western analysts flown to Russia every year to hobnob with top officials.

The New York Times

An audience had gathered a handpicked group of Cuban and American entrepreneurs, government officials, and journalists.

The New Yorker

Music was of crucial importance too: the Blackfriars had its own handpicked group to provide atmospheric accompaniment.

The Guardian

"The idea that they would have this little handpicked group of regulated firms setting the salary for the regulator is so obviously inappropriate it boggles the mind," said Barbara Roper, director of investor protection at the Consumer Federation of America.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a handpicked group", ensure that the context clearly indicates the criteria used for selection. This helps the reader understand the group's composition and purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "a handpicked group" to describe a selection process that is arbitrary or lacks clear criteria. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a handpicked group" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a collection of individuals who have been carefully selected. Ludwig confirms its frequent use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a handpicked group" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a carefully selected collection of individuals. Ludwig confirms this. Predominantly found in news and media, it signifies a deliberate selection process based on specific criteria. While versatile, it's important to use the phrase judiciously to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "a curated group" or "a select group" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A curated group

Focuses on the careful selection and arrangement of the group, implying a high level of attention to detail.

A cherry-picked group

Suggests that the group was selected very carefully from a larger pool, often favoring the best or most desirable candidates.

A select group

Emphasizes the exclusivity and high standards for membership within the group.

A chosen few

Highlights the small number of individuals selected, often implying privilege or special status.

An elite team

Stresses the high level of skill and expertise possessed by the group members.

A specially selected team

Highlights the special process used in selecting the team, often for a specific task or purpose.

A screened group

Emphasizes the careful filtering process to identify suitable members.

A nominated group

Indicates that the group members were chosen through a nomination process.

A vetted group

Implies that the group members underwent a thorough screening or vetting process.

A top-tier group

Emphasizes the high quality and ranking of the group members.

FAQs

How can I use "a handpicked group" in a sentence?

You can use "a handpicked group" to describe a team or collection of individuals who were carefully selected for a specific purpose, such as "The project was entrusted to a handpicked group of engineers".

What are some alternatives to saying "a handpicked group"?

Alternatives to "a handpicked group" include "a curated group", "a select group", or "a chosen few", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a handpicked group" or "a selected group"?

"A handpicked group" emphasizes a more deliberate and careful selection process than "a selected group", suggesting a higher level of scrutiny and specific criteria.

What does it mean when someone refers to "a handpicked group"?

Referring to "a handpicked group" implies that the individuals in question were chosen with great care, often for their expertise, qualifications, or specific skills relevant to a task or project.