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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
by pick
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "by pick" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to refer to a method of selection or choice, but it lacks clarity and context for proper usage. Example: "The items will be selected by pick from the available options."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
23 human-written examples
And by pick up I mean steal.
News & Media
When no team had selected him by Pick 17, Thompson allowed himself to dream.
News & Media
Smith's first novel was acquired by Pick in 1962, and the pair worked together until the publisher's death in 2000.
News & Media
At the darkest end there is a roster of abusive and manipulative techniques not unlike those used by pick up artists and casinos".
News & Media
This latest offering by Pick Up Performance Co(s) looks at two seemingly identical but very different Americans: a 19th-century rural woman and the modern-day actress who plays her.
News & Media
The edition - screened at 6pm by Pick TV, which is owned by Sky - featured reports of a ghostly presence at Chatham dockyard and included discussion of the spirit of a woman who was said to have murdered children.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
37 human-written examples
READ AND WRITE MOCK DRAFTS Mock drafts are pick-by-pick guesses of which team will select which player in April's draft.
News & Media
Now consider the programming time that ESPN devotes to the draft: 12 hours of games featuring potential top draft picks ran on ESPN Classic last Saturday; 12 hours of draft-oriented programming will have been shown between Monday and tonight; 17 hours of draft coverage on ESPN and ESPN2; and 8 hours of coverage (talking heads you can't see, delivering the pick-by-pick) on ESPN Radio.
News & Media
A pick-by-pick analysis of the first round of the 2016 NFL draft.
News & Media
Click HERE for some pick-by-pick analysis and scroll down to check out the results from round two. 1.
News & Media
I looked back at the last 14 NBA Drafts and went pick-by-pick, 1-14, to determine the best and worst selections at each of those positions.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Whenever possible, replace "by pick" with clearer and more grammatically correct alternatives like "by selection" or "through choice" to ensure clarity in writing. This is especially important in formal or professional contexts.
Common error
Avoid using "by pick" as a general substitute for more descriptive verbs that specify the action more precisely. Using specific verbs, such as "choose", "select", or "extract", can significantly improve the clarity and impact of your writing.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "by pick" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the means or method by which an action is performed. However, Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase isn't always grammatically correct and requires careful consideration for clarity and appropriateness.
Frequent in
News & Media
30%
Science
28%
Wiki
15%
Less common in
Formal & Business
10%
Academia
9%
Encyclopedias
8%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "by pick" appears frequently but is often grammatically questionable. Ludwig AI suggests it is not the best option for clarity and correctness. Its usage spans across various contexts, including news, science, and informal platforms. For clearer and more impactful communication, consider using alternatives like "by selection" or "through choice". Therefore, while "by pick" is relatively common, writers should aim for more precise and grammatically sound options.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
by selection
Focuses on the act of choosing, providing a grammatically sound alternative.
through choice
Emphasizes the process of making a decision, presenting a clear and standard alternative.
via choosing
Highlights the method of selection, offering a more formal and acceptable substitute.
by means of selection
Formalizes the action of selecting, which provides a more precise and sophisticated substitute.
in the process of picking
Highlights the progression of selecting, useful when the action is ongoing.
through the act of selecting
Emphasizes the action, providing a more descriptive and formal alternative.
using a selection method
Focuses on methodology, useful in procedural contexts.
by opting for
Focuses on decision process when facing alternatives.
in selecting
Puts emphasis on the act of selecting and making it active.
choosing by
This reorders the words to focus on the act of choosing and by what standard.
FAQs
What can I say instead of "by pick"?
You can use alternatives like "by selection", "through choice", or "via choosing" depending on the context.
Is "by pick" grammatically correct?
The phrase "by pick" is often grammatically incorrect and can be unclear. It is better to use more standard phrases like "by selection" or "through choice".
When is it appropriate to use "by pick"?
While sometimes used, it is generally best to avoid "by pick" in formal writing. More appropriate alternatives are usually available for clearer communication, depending on what you want to express. Consider options like "by selection" or "through the act of selecting".
How can I improve clarity when using phrases similar to "by pick"?
To improve clarity, specify the method or criteria used in the selection process, such as "selected "by picking" central probes" or "chosen "by selecting" the highest score". This provides context and reduces ambiguity.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested