by picking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by picking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of selecting or choosing something from a group or collection. Example: "You can improve your skills by picking the right resources for your study."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

VALENTINO By picking the oldest designer.

The New York Times

MS. PARKER No, by picking the most important one.

The New York Times

You can then create your own, by picking and mixing.

Independent

President Jacques Chirac responded by picking an unelected aristocrat.

The Economist

Paul shocked the country on Tuesday by picking Spain.

The Guardian - Sport

He finished that season by picking up eight consecutive saves.

The New York Times - Sports

She makes her own assistants useful by picking their brains.

The New York Times - Style

Tucker has maintained this consistent level by picking mainstream material.

The New York Times - Magazine

He began by picking up garbage around his street corner.

The New York Times

3D seismic data are commonly interpreted by propagating horizons automatically and by picking faults manually.

Marine Geology

The coordinate system is established by picking the "center" and the two axes "xdir" and "ydir".

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by picking" to clearly indicate that a choice or selection is the means by which something is accomplished. For example, "Improve your writing by picking strong verbs."

Common error

In highly formal or academic writing, avoid overuse of "by picking" as it can sometimes sound too informal. Consider using alternatives such as "through selection" or "via choosing" to maintain a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by picking" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, noun, or clause. It indicates the means or method by which an action is carried out. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a perfectly acceptable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by picking" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed construction used to indicate that an action or outcome is achieved through selection. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is a versatile phrase found across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While maintaining a generally neutral tone, its usage might benefit from more formal alternatives in certain academic or professional settings. Related phrases include "through selection" and "via choosing", offering subtle differences in emphasis. Remember to use "by picking" to clearly articulate the act of choosing as a method or means. The phrase is very common, with examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through selection

Focuses on the process of choosing, implying a more deliberate act.

via choosing

Highlights the act of making a choice as the means to an end.

by making a choice

Simple and direct alternative focusing on the act of choosing.

by opting for

Emphasizes a decision between multiple options.

by deciding on

Highlights the decision-making aspect.

through the act of selecting

More formal and emphasizes the action itself.

in selecting

Focuses on the context of selection.

through a selection process

Emphasizes the structured nature of the selection.

in choosing

Similar to "in selecting" but with a slightly different emphasis.

by electing

Implies a more formal or official selection.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "by picking" to sound more formal?

Alternatives to "by picking" that convey a more formal tone include "through selection", "via choosing", or "by opting for". Consider the context to determine the most appropriate substitute.

Is "by picking" appropriate for academic writing?

While generally acceptable, "by picking" may sound less formal than other options. In academic contexts, consider alternatives like "through the selection of" or "by choosing" to maintain a professional tone.

What does "by picking" mean in a sentence?

"By picking" indicates that something is achieved or done through the act of selecting or choosing something. For example, "You can improve your grade "by picking the right courses"."

Which is a better phrase: "by picking" or "by choosing"?

Both "by picking" and "by choosing" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them often depends on stylistic preference or the specific context. They are often interchangeable, but "by choosing" might sound slightly more formal.