as we picked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as we picked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that occurred simultaneously with the act of picking something, often in a narrative or descriptive context. Example: "As we picked the apples from the tree, we shared stories about our childhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

We dropped just as much fruit as we picked".

The New York Times - Food

As we picked our way upstream, we pushed away mangrove shoots that clawed at the boat.

The New York Times - Travel

But they were not shooting, and the forest was quiet as we picked our way along.

The New York Times

As we picked from a binder of scratched DVDs, my desperation, terror, and loneliness ebbed.

The New York Times

Things began to go awry as soon as we picked up the car.

The New York Times

As we picked a safe passage towards the coast, nervous apprehension turned to wide-eyed enjoyment.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Pfffft," says Celine, with disdain, as we pick our skis up before heading into the mountains.

The Guardian - Travel

As we pick through the demolished rooms, small antelope, lizards and monkeys skitter away.

The Guardian - Travel

As long as we pick up a back in the first couple of rounds of the draft and have him spell Barber, we should be just fine.

The New York Times

We'll keep you posted as we pick up on them but here are the first batch: Jenny Ramsay (@JRazzz) Caught a bird!

The Guardian - Books

An evil wind rips around our ears as we "pick" replanted yellowing leeks, their hearts still sound as though in suspended animation.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a journey or exploration, "as we picked our way" effectively conveys a sense of careful progression.

Common error

Avoid using "as we picked" to describe a future action; it's best suited for past or present continuous scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as we picked" functions as a subordinating conjunction introducing a clause that indicates simultaneity. It connects two actions, showing they occurred at the same time. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing simultaneous events or movements.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as we picked" serves as a conjunction to indicate that two actions happened at the same time. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and commonly used in news and media contexts. While seemingly simple, proper use of "as we picked" can add depth and clarity to narratives. For alternatives, consider phrases like "while we were picking" or "when we picked", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember, the key is to use it to effectively connect concurrent actions and to avoid tense mismatches for a clearer message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

while we were picking

Emphasizes the duration of the picking action.

during our picking

Focuses on the activity of picking as a whole.

when we picked

Highlights the specific moment of picking.

upon picking

Implies an immediate action following the picking.

while in the process of picking

More verbose, emphasizing the ongoing nature of picking.

as we were in the act of picking

Highlights the active engagement in picking.

simultaneously picking

Stresses the simultaneous nature of the actions.

at the same time as we picked

More formal way to indicate concurrent actions.

just as we picked

Emphasizes the immediacy and simultaneity of the actions.

concurrent with our picking

Formal, emphasizing the synchronicity of the events.

FAQs

How can I use "as we picked" in a sentence?

Use "as we picked" to describe actions happening concurrently, such as "As we picked apples, we shared stories" or "As we picked our way through the forest, we spotted wildlife".

What can I say instead of "as we picked"?

You can use alternatives like "while we were picking", "during our picking", or "when we picked" depending on the specific context.

Is "as we picked" formal or informal?

"As we picked" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality often depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

Which is correct, "as we picked" or "as we were picking"?

Both "as we picked" and "as we were picking" are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different nuances. "As we picked" implies a simple concurrence of actions, while "as we were picking" emphasizes the continuous nature of the picking action.