a preferred pick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a preferred pick" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a choice or selection that is favored or recommended over others. Example: "After reviewing all the options, we have decided that the new software is our preferred pick for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Because the Orange Bowl pays roughly $900,000 more into the B.C.S. pool than the Sugar Bowl does, Orange organizers invoked a "preferred pick" clause, which can be used once over the four-year B.C.S. contract.

The New York Times - Sports

The endorsement will pit Mr. Pataki, by proxy, against former Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, who has thrown his political capital behind the campaign of Joseph J. Lhota, a former deputy mayor in the Giuliani administration and a preferred pick of the city's conservative business class.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

According to students, participants are assigned draft numbers randomly, but have the option of spending more money to purchase a more preferred pick in the draft.

Huffington Post

Illumina, which is my preferred pick and a holding of the Oberweis Report's Model Portfolio, appears to be leading the market.

Forbes

Told to wait his turn by mentor Jeb Bush after battling his way into the Senate on a wave of Tea Party revolt against the party's preferred pick, this son of a Cuban bartender was once viewed among the quintessential outsiders.

The Guardian

Earlier this week, there were reports that Giuliani had overtaken John Bolton, the early front-runner, as Trump's preferred pick for Foggy Bottom.

The New Yorker

Earlier this week, there were reports that Giuliani had overtaken John Bolton, the early front-runner, as Trump's preferred pick for Foggy Bottom.

The New Yorker

But Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are the direct beneficiaries of the chaos, and Fannie is my preferred pick; it is bigger.

Forbes

Macquarie Group also has a positive outlook on both of China's two biggest insurers, but rates Ping An's stock as its "preferred pick".

Forbes

Macquarie rates Ping An's stock as its "preferred pick" in the Chinese insurance industry because it says Ping An should continue growing as interest rates begin to rise and Chinese regulators relax restrictions on insurance companies' investments.

Forbes

Then on Nov. 5, the Albany Times Union revealed that Smith, president of the State University of New York's Upstate Medical University, was the preferred pick for the new job, but was in the middle of an investigation into allegations he padded his state pay without authorization.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a preferred pick", ensure the context clearly indicates what the preference is based on. Provide specific reasons or criteria for the selection to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a preferred pick" without specifying why the choice is preferred. Instead of saying, "This is our a preferred pick", explain the advantages: "Based on its efficiency and cost-effectiveness, this software is our a preferred pick."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a preferred pick" functions as a noun phrase, where "preferred" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "pick". Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a preferred pick" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that signifies a favored choice or selection. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is appropriate in various contexts, primarily within News & Media and Formal & Business settings. While not exceedingly common, its usage is well-supported by examples from authoritative sources, like The New York Times, Forbes, and The Guardian. When employing this phrase, clarity is key; specifying the reasons behind the preference enhances the phrase's effectiveness. Alternatives such as ""a favored selection"" or ""a top choice"" can provide stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a favored option

Similar to "a preferred pick", but puts emphasis on the options you have.

a favored selection

Emphasizes the act of choosing something that is liked more than others.

a top choice

Indicates something that ranks highly among available options.

a leading candidate

Refers to someone or something that is most likely to be selected.

a prime option

Highlights something that is a high-quality or excellent possibility.

a desired selection

Emphasizes the want or need for a certain pick.

a recommended alternative

Suggests something that is advised or endorsed as a substitute.

a selected preference

Highlights the element of choosing a previously existing preference.

a chosen favorite

Combines the ideas of selection and personal enjoyment or liking.

a popular choice

Highlights options that have a wider public appeal.

FAQs

How can I use "a preferred pick" in a sentence?

You can use "a preferred pick" to indicate something that is favored or recommended. For example, "After careful consideration, the new software is our "a preferred pick" for this project."

What is another way to say "a preferred pick"?

Alternatives to "a preferred pick" include "a favored selection", "a top choice", or "a leading candidate" depending on the specific context.

Which is the correct phrase: "a preferred pick" or "the preferred pick"?

Both "a preferred pick" and "the preferred pick" can be correct, depending on the context. "A preferred pick" implies one among many, while "the preferred pick" indicates a specific choice already identified or agreed upon.

What does it mean when someone says something is "a preferred pick"?

When something is described as "a preferred pick", it means that it is considered the best or most suitable option among several possibilities, often based on specific criteria or personal preference.