are picked from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are picked from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a selection process where items or individuals are chosen from a larger group or set. Example: "The finalists for the competition are picked from a pool of talented applicants."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

FTSE bosses are picked from a global pool.

The Economist

Commission members are picked from a "register of experts" supplied by Mr. Annan.

The New York Times

At most city charter schools, students are selected at public meetings where applicants' names are picked from a box.

The New York Times

Though the ISC members are chosen by MPs and peers, they are picked from a pool of individuals "nominated" by the prime minister.

The Guardian

Every morning, blossoms are picked from the fields of Gujarat and Maharastra and are rushed to flower-hungry Mumbai, where they are sold under the overpass by Dadar Station.

The New York Times

Tesco, Britain's largest supermarket chain, was able to take the lead in online groceries by devising a fairly simple system: goods ordered over the internet are picked from the shelves of the nearest supermarket and delivered to homes within set time slots.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

If we get a couple more injuries, then we are picking from the youth team".

BBC

The only thing missing is the star, and he is picked from the audience.

The New York Times

In this case, you've been picked from a TV show.

Independent

Briefly, protein bands were picked from the SDS gel.

AMB Express

Colonies were picked from the master plate, and used as DNA template for PCR.

Journal of Virological Methods

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context clearly identifies the source from which the items are being selected.

Common error

Avoid using "are picked from" when the selection process is random or undefined. Instead, use phrases like "are chosen at random" or "are selected arbitrarily" to indicate a lack of specific criteria.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are picked from" functions as a passive construction indicating selection from a defined source. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples in both scientific and news contexts, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

43%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are picked from" is a versatile and grammatically correct way to describe a selection process. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its frequent use in diverse fields such as science and news media. While alternatives like "are chosen from" or "are selected from" exist, "are picked from" often implies a more discerning and careful selection. It's essential to consider the context and ensure the source of selection is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. This phrase presents no major grammatical concerns, as it's widely accepted and understood in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are chosen from

A more general and widely applicable alternative, focusing on the act of choosing.

are selected out of

Emphasizes the act of distinguishing and removing specific items from a larger collection.

are drawn from

Suggests a selection process that may involve chance or randomness.

are extracted from

Implies that something is carefully taken out or separated from something else.

are obtained from

Focuses on the result of getting or acquiring something from a source.

are sourced from

Highlights the origin or location from where something is acquired.

are recruited from

Specifically refers to the selection of individuals for a particular purpose.

are designated from

Implies a formal or official assignment from a group or list.

are culled from

Indicates a selective reduction, often implying the removal of less desirable elements.

are harvested from

Suggests gathering or collecting something, often in an agricultural or resource-based context.

FAQs

What does "are picked from" mean?

The phrase "are picked from" signifies a selection process where items or individuals are chosen from a larger group, often based on specific criteria.

When is it appropriate to use "are picked from" in a sentence?

Use "are picked from" when you want to emphasize that the selected items come from a specific source or set, implying a deliberate choice.

What are some alternatives to "are picked from"?

You can use alternatives like "are chosen from", "are selected from", or "are drawn from" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does the connotation of "are picked from" differ from "are chosen from"?

While both phrases indicate selection, "are picked from" often suggests a more meticulous or selective process than simply "are chosen from".