are picked over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are picked over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where items are selected or chosen from a larger group, often implying that the best or most desirable items have already been taken. Example: "The fruits at the market are picked over by the time I arrive, leaving only the less appealing ones."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Like almost everything the 72-year-old does, who he meets and what he says in his lopsided English are picked over and pulled apart.

The Guardian

In addressing his Tumblr letter to "you," he invited readers into the same intimate space he creates in his song lyrics — lyrics that are picked over for autobiographical clues on the Internet.

The New Yorker

Late apples, like the yellow Longkeeper, red Tommy Knight, and Reinette de Brucbrucks, cling to leafless branches while shoals of fallen fruit are picked over by blackbirds and pheasants.

The Guardian

And city greenery holds more calories per acre than wildlands that are picked over by deer, says Steve Wildman Brillll, who sells a 26-language "Wild Edibles" app and gives foraging tours in New York city parks.Wild food tastes better than you might expect, enthusiasts say.

The Economist

Blimey, what am I like, eh?" Now, raising the bar substantially higher, there's the Russian Roulette video and Rated R, an album that arrives packed with songs in which relationships are linked with violence and criminality: guns are licked, lives flash before eyes, crime scenes are picked over, heads smack against car windscreens.

The Guardian - Music

Maybe this stuff doesn't debut Thursday night at 9 p.m. on a broadcast network, but it is frequently amplified by megasites like boingboing.net and Fark​.com, which in turn are picked over by everyone from FM-radio shock jocks to staid newspapers looking for stories about the next nutty Internet fad.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Customers are picking over delicately wrought earrings and gazing covetously at huge, embellished collars.

The Guardian - Business

I would have thought damage to the plant has been caused by other pests, perhaps slugs or vine weevils, and the woodlice are picking over the leftovers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Computers, hedge fund operators and mutual fund analysts are picking over all but the smallest stocks.

Forbes

"But often they look like they've been picked over".

The New York Times - Health

Other industries besides energy are being picked over, too.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are picked over", consider the connotation of scarcity or intense competition for limited resources. Ensure that the context clearly conveys whether the selection process is thorough, exhaustive, or indicative of limited choices.

Common error

Avoid using "are picked over" when the items or options are abundant and easily accessible. This phrase inherently suggests that the available choices have been diminished or scrutinized, so it's unsuitable for describing situations where there's plenty to choose from.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are picked over" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject of the sentence is receiving the action of being selected or examined, often with the implication that the best options have already been taken. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in describing selection processes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are picked over" is a grammatically correct passive verb phrase used to describe items or options that have undergone a selection process, often implying scarcity or intense scrutiny. As Ludwig AI points out, it's suitable for describing situations where the best choices have already been taken. While its usage is not extremely common, it appears frequently in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, consider the connotation of limited availability and ensure it aligns with the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are selected from

Focuses on the act of choosing from a group, without necessarily implying that the best items are gone.

are carefully examined

Highlights the thorough inspection aspect, suitable when the emphasis is on detailed scrutiny.

are sorted through

Implies a process of sifting and organizing, rather than just selection.

are sifted through

Similar to 'sorted through' but can also imply a more desperate search.

are vetted

Suggests a formal or official approval process after examination.

are gleaned

Implies collecting information or items slowly and carefully, often from a larger source.

are scavenged

Suggests finding items from discarded material, often implying a sense of desperation.

are exhausted

Indicates that all possibilities or resources have been used up.

are depleted

Focuses on the reduction or exhaustion of a supply.

are run through

Indicates something has been processed or used completely, without regard to the quality.

FAQs

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

You can use "are picked over" to describe items that have been thoroughly examined and selected from a group, often implying that the best options are gone. For example: "The best deals at the sale "are picked over" quickly."

What's a good alternative to "are picked over"?

Depending on the context, you could use "are selected from", "are carefully examined", or "are sorted through".

Is it correct to say "is picked over"?

Yes, "is picked over" is correct when referring to a singular subject. For example: "The remaining inventory "is picked over" by bargain hunters."

What does "are picked over" imply?

The phrase "are picked over" implies that items have been carefully scrutinized and selected, often suggesting that the remaining items may be less desirable or of lower quality. It can also indicate a competitive environment where people are searching for the best options.