being picked out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being picked out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone or something being selected or chosen from a group. Example: "After a long selection process, she was thrilled about being picked out for the lead role in the play."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Knicks have a rich history with names being picked out of a hat, huh?

The New York Times

P318 (SM): It was fair as you did, you know, being picked out I suppose it is fair.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Caricatures, paintings, museums and concerts are being picked out and attacked.

The Guardian - Books

It led to claims he was being picked out to be smeared.

The Guardian

"It is not only refugees that are being picked out, it is everyone who is black," Basu adds.

The Guardian

So what a surprise it must have been when tenants complained that they were being picked out for attack.

The Guardian - Opinion

In an effort to avoid being picked out by computer watch-lists, many terrorists use alternative (but linguistically legitimate) transliterations of their names.

The Economist

2.04pm BST 60 min: Robin van Persie shoots high over the cross-bar after being picked out by Patrice Evra, who's having a great game today.

The Guardian - Sport

That goal prompted a dominant spell from United during which David Robertson prodded home at the back post after being picked out by a Paul Dixon cross.

The Guardian - Sport

"If we have upset anyone and caused any issues in terms of people being picked out, abused or harassed, yes, I would apologise".

The Guardian

Lining up against a wall in a dusty corridor, we find one of our number being picked out by a hectoring sergeant, which leads straight into Mountain Language.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being picked out" when you want to emphasize the passive nature of the selection process, where the subject is acted upon rather than initiating the action.

Common error

Avoid replacing the passive construction of "being picked out" with an active voice construction that obscures who is doing the picking. Ensure clarity by explicitly stating the selector when converting to active voice is necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being picked out" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is receiving the action of selection. As Ludwig AI explains, this usage is correct and common, appearing in numerous contexts. It shows that someone or something is chosen from a group.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "being picked out" is a common and grammatically sound passive verb phrase used to describe the act of selection. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, which is seen across numerous contexts, most frequently in News & Media and Science. While alternatives like "being selected" or "being chosen" exist, "being picked out" often carries a slightly more informal tone. When writing, ensure the phrase is used in contexts where emphasizing the passive nature of the selection is desired, and avoid misusing active voice constructions that obscure the selector.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being selected

This alternative focuses on the act of choosing someone or something from a group, emphasizing the decision-making process.

being chosen

Similar to "being selected", but often implies a more deliberate and careful decision.

being singled out

Implies being selected for a specific reason, often highlighting a unique quality or characteristic.

being handpicked

Suggests a careful and selective process, often indicating high value or suitability.

being identified

Focuses on recognizing and distinguishing someone or something from others.

being designated

Indicates being officially assigned or chosen for a specific purpose or role.

being earmarked

Suggests being set aside or reserved for a particular purpose or recipient.

being appointed

Implies a formal selection or assignment, often to a position or role.

being extracted

Focuses on the act of removing someone or something from a larger context or group.

being marked

Suggests that an entity is receiving special attention.

FAQs

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

You can use "being picked out" to describe someone or something that is selected from a group, as in "She felt honored after "being picked out" for the scholarship".

What are some alternatives to "being picked out"?

Alternatives include "being selected", "being chosen", or "being singled out", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is it better to use "being picked out" or "getting picked out"?

"Being picked out" is generally more formal and grammatically standard. "Getting picked out" is acceptable in informal contexts but might be seen as less polished in formal writing.

What's the difference between "being picked out" and "being selected"?

While similar, "being picked out" can sometimes imply a more informal or less structured selection process compared to "being selected", which often suggests a more formal evaluation.