by picks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by picks" 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 context to be usable. Example: "The team was selected by picks, ensuring a diverse range of skills."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Music

Coal mining

Stone Age

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Quivering voices are propped up by picks scraping against strings.

The Guardian - Music

They speak of broken arms and crushed fingers, of hands split by picks, of battered ribs and collapsed lungs.

The New York Times

This is characterized by picks and adzes made on bifacially flaked cores, the tranchet type of ax, hand axes of developed Acheulean form, massive side scrapers, and many elongated, bifacially flaked points that probably served as lances or spearheads.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"You know how at a party you set your drink on a table and somebody walks by, picks it up and drinks it for you?

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

A pick-by-pick analysis of the first round of the 2016 NFL draft.

Los Angeles Times

And by pick up I mean steal.

The New York Times - Books

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

He finished that season by picking up eight consecutive saves.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a selection process, use clearer and more common alternatives like "through selections" or "by selection".

Common error

Avoid using "by picks" in contexts where simpler terms like "by selection" or "through choices" would be more appropriate and easily understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by picks" functions as a prepositional phrase, but its usage is limited and often considered non-standard. Ludwig AI marks it as incorrect. It's primarily used to indicate a method or means of selection.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by picks" is infrequently used and often considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. While it aims to convey a method of selection, clearer alternatives like "by selection" or "through choices" are generally preferred, especially in formal or academic contexts. The limited examples show its occurrence in varied sources, including News & Media, Science and Encyclopedias, but it lacks consistent authoritative support. Thus, writers should exercise caution and opt for more conventional phrasing to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by means of selection

A more formal way of saying "by picks", focusing on how something is achieved.

through selections

Focuses on the method of choosing, emphasizing the process of picking from available options.

using selections

Emphasizes that picks are used as a tool or method.

via choices

Highlights the act of making decisions to achieve a particular outcome.

by way of choices

Indicates a specific route or method involving making selections.

utilizing picks

Emphasizes using picks in selection processes.

by employing picks

Highlights the action of using picks in a selection process.

through a selection process

Highlights the systematic approach of selections.

by implementation of choices

Highlights how implementation of choices can resolve a goal.

through instruments

Specifies the objects employed to make selections.

FAQs

What does "by picks" mean?

"By picks" is not standard English. It is often used in contexts referring to choices or selection methods, but it lacks clarity. Consider rephrasing for better understanding.

How can I rephrase "by picks" to sound more professional?

You can use phrases like "by selection", "through choices", or "via selections". These are more formal and widely accepted alternatives.

Is "by picks" grammatically correct?

The phrase "by picks" "is not correct" in most general English contexts. Ludwig AI highlights this issue.

What's a better alternative to "by picks" in academic writing?

In academic writing, it's best to use precise and formal language. Instead of "by picks", opt for "through selection" or "by means of selection".