are being picked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are being picked" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the passive voice to indicate that something is currently in the process of being selected or chosen. Example: "The apples are being picked from the orchard this afternoon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

But if Mr Sharif acts, the armed forces may feel they are being picked on.

The Economist

People are being picked up".

The New York Times

Consumers' pockets are being picked clean".

The New York Times

Now Murdoch's the one whose bones are being picked.

The New York Times

Other industries besides energy are being picked over, too.

The New York Times

Former Nazis are being picked off one by one.

The Guardian - Books

Significant elements of the protections are being picked apart, however.

The Guardian

The Americans think they are being picked upon and are furious.

The Guardian

When the police do appear, in vans, young men feel they are being picked on.

The Economist

Meanwhile, the onlookers, as their anticipation increases, don't realize that their pockets are being picked.

The New Yorker

And a lot of these guys are being picked up by other companies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are being picked", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is doing the picking and what criteria are being used for selection. This helps avoid ambiguity and provides a clearer understanding of the action.

Common error

Avoid using singular subjects with "are being picked". Ensure the subject is plural to maintain correct grammatical agreement. For example, instead of "The candidate are being picked", use "The candidates are being picked".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are being picked" functions as a passive progressive verb form. It indicates that the subject is currently undergoing the action of being selected or chosen by someone or something else. Ludwig shows numerous examples of this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are being picked" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that describes an ongoing selection process. Ludwig AI indicates that its primary function is to convey information about entities currently undergoing selection, often in neutral contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, it is important to ensure subject-verb agreement and clarity regarding the selector and criteria. By considering these aspects, writers can effectively use "are being picked" to communicate precise and informative messages.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are getting chosen

Focuses on the selection process, emphasizing the act of choosing.

are being selected

Highlights the formal or deliberate nature of the selection.

are getting singled out

Implies that someone or something is being chosen from a larger group, sometimes with a negative connotation.

are being handpicked

Emphasizes careful and selective choosing.

are being designated

Suggests an official or authoritative selection.

are being earmarked

Indicates that something is being set aside or chosen for a specific purpose.

are being targeted

Often implies a negative selection, where someone or something is chosen for unwanted attention.

are being culled

Suggests a selection process where unwanted elements are removed.

are being recruited

Focuses on selecting individuals for a specific role or purpose, often in a professional context.

are being drafted

Implies a mandatory selection, often for military service or another compulsory duty.

FAQs

How can I use "are being picked" in a sentence?

The phrase "are being picked" is used to describe something that is currently in the process of being selected. For example, "The best apples are being picked for the competition".

What's a more formal alternative to "are being picked"?

In more formal contexts, you might use phrases like "are being selected" or "are being chosen" to convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.

How does "are being picked" differ from "are picked"?

"Are being picked" indicates an ongoing process, while "are picked" suggests a completed action or a general truth. For example, "The flowers are being picked now" versus "The flowers are picked every morning".

Can "are being picked" have a negative connotation?

Yes, depending on the context. If something undesirable is being selected, "are being picked" can imply unfair targeting. For instance, "Minority groups "are getting singled out"" or "are being targeted" for stricter regulations.