carefully picked

USAGE SUMMARY

"carefully picked" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used in a sentence as a verb phrase describing the action of selecting something with great care or attention to detail. Example: She carefully picked out the perfect dress for her sister's wedding, considering every aspect from color and fit to style and comfort.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He carefully picked up the snipped pieces and left.

The New York Times

They have been carefully picked for their disposition and safety.

The New York Times - Travel

Carefully picked No supporters who spoke before Brown arrived told their own stories.

Independent

On the Midlake cover she carefully picked at her acoustic guitar.

The New York Times - Arts

We have carefully picked the most evocative ingredients, now we need to balance the flavours.

The Guardian

That is perhaps because the scientists carefully picked their words, straining to avoid comparisons to embryos.

MIT Technology Review

Fine roots were then carefully picked out from the collected soil as in ref. 36.

Nature

I carefully picked up two little plants (Big Boys) at the Union Square Greenmarket.

The New York Times

He'd grown up in a farmyard with many animals, and carefully picked up the bird.

The New Yorker

Greg carefully picked out a long noodle and told us to watch this trick.

The New York Times

In the U.S., instead, those who come in as refugees are carefully picked through this long vetting process.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "carefully picked", ensure that the context clearly demonstrates the reason for the careful selection. Specify what qualities or criteria influenced the selection process to provide more informative and compelling writing.

Common error

Avoid using "carefully picked" as a filler phrase. If the careful selection isn't essential to the meaning or impact of your writing, consider using a simpler alternative like "selected" or "chosen".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "carefully picked" functions as a past participle phrase, acting as an adjective modifying a noun. As confirmed by Ludwig, it describes something that has been selected with great care and attention to detail. The examples show its use across varied subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "carefully picked" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that indicates a deliberate selection process characterized by attention to detail. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, but also in scientific and business writing, it conveys a sense of thoughtfulness and purpose behind the selection. While alternatives such as "meticulously chosen" or "judiciously selected" exist, the key is to ensure the context warrants the emphasis on careful selection, avoiding overuse and maintaining clarity in writing. Remember to specify the criteria that influenced the selection process to provide more informative and compelling content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

carefully chosen

A synonym of "carefully picked" using the verb 'choose'.

selected with care

Focuses on the act of selecting, adding an explicit emphasis on the care involved.

handpicked

Suggests a personal and direct selection, often by an individual.

meticulously chosen

Implies an extreme level of detail and precision in the selection process.

judiciously selected

Emphasizes the good judgement and wisdom applied during the selection.

selectively chosen

Emphasizes the criteria and standards used to select only certain items.

thoughtfully chosen

Highlights the consideration and deliberation behind the selection.

scrupulously selected

Indicates a selection process guided by strict principles and attention to detail.

attentively selected

Stresses the attentiveness present in the process of selection.

expertly chosen

Suggests the items were chosen by someone with expertise.

FAQs

How can I use "carefully picked" in a sentence?

You can use "carefully picked" to describe a selection process that involves great attention to detail. For example, "The curator "carefully picked" the artwork for the exhibition."

What are some alternatives to "carefully picked"?

Alternatives include "meticulously chosen", "judiciously selected", or "thoughtfully chosen". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "carefully picked out"?

While not strictly redundant, "carefully picked out" can sometimes be streamlined to just "carefully picked" depending on the context. The addition of "out" can emphasize a more thorough search within a larger group.

What's the difference between "carefully picked" and "handpicked"?

"Carefully picked" implies a deliberate selection process based on specific criteria, while "handpicked" suggests a more personal selection, often by an individual. The former focuses on the method, the latter on the selector.