being picked over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being picked over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is chosen or selected from a group, often implying that there were multiple options available. Example: "After the team reviewed all the candidates, John felt disappointed about being picked over his more experienced colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Other industries besides energy are being picked over, too.

The New York Times

Piles of used clothes are being picked over as people prepare for winter.

The New York Times

The convoy crept by a smoldering junkyard being picked over by Iraqis.

The New York Times

The cost of the executions is being picked over by local press.

The Guardian - Opinion

Her column is being picked over with the same vigilance, even by people who dismiss it as irrelevant.

The New York Times

The exhibition was added to as the Airborne collected further Goring loot, which was now being picked over by Berchtesgaden peasants and the Army.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

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

The New York Times - Health

"The wreckage has been picked over, it's been trashed, it's been trampled".

The Guardian

Every line of his plans will be picked over by legislators.

The Economist

I do the opposite because things in the back haven't been picked over yet.

The New York Times

It is picked over for evidence that the media has gone overboard.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "being picked over", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning—whether it's thorough examination, selective scavenging, or critical scrutiny.

Common error

Avoid using "being picked over" when a more neutral term like "reviewed" or "examined" would be more appropriate, especially in formal or sensitive contexts where the phrase's implication of scarcity or criticism might be undesirable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being picked over" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is receiving the action of being selected or examined. As Ludwig AI says, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The examples show its use in various contexts, such as examining wreckage or scrutinizing details.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "being picked over" is a grammatically sound and commonly used passive verb phrase that describes the act of careful selection or examination, often with the connotation of scavenging or scrutinizing for specific items or flaws. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it carries a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning, and be mindful of its potential implications of scarcity or criticism. Consider alternative phrases like "being carefully examined" or "being thoroughly reviewed" for more formal or sensitive situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being picked through

Slightly different word order but conveys a very similar meaning.

being scrutinized

Focuses on detailed examination rather than selection or scavenging.

being carefully examined

Emphasizes thorough inspection, downplaying any sense of scarcity or competition.

being thoroughly reviewed

Highlights the comprehensive nature of the assessment process.

being picked apart

Emphasizes negative scrutiny and finding faults.

being scavenged

Highlights the act of collecting discarded items.

being sifted through

Focuses on separating desirable elements from unwanted ones.

being rummaged through

Suggests a disorganized search.

being culled

Highlights the removal of less desirable elements.

being cherry-picked

Implies selecting only the best items or arguments.

FAQs

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

You can use "being picked over" to describe something that is carefully examined or scavenged, such as "The wreckage was "being picked over" for valuable materials" or "The details of the agreement are "being picked over" by lawyers".

What's a less critical alternative to "being picked over"?

If you want to avoid the slightly negative connotation of "being picked over", you could use phrases like "being carefully examined", "being thoroughly reviewed", or "being scrutinized" depending on the context.

Is "being picked over" formal or informal?

"Being picked over" is generally considered neutral but can sometimes carry a slightly negative or informal tone. It is suitable for news articles and general writing, but more formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "being analyzed" or "being assessed".

What does it mean when something is "being picked over"?

When something is "being picked over", it means it's being carefully examined, often with the implication that people are looking for something specific, valuable, or useful within it. It can also suggest that the item or situation is being scrutinized for flaws or advantages.