cherry pick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cherry pick" is correct and usable in written English.
It generally means to select only the best or most desirable from a larger group or collection. For example, "He cherry-picked the best employees from the pool of applicants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"You don't get to cherry pick.

The Guardian

I don't think you can cherry pick like that.

The Guardian - Opinion

Tomlinson has said that you can't "cherry pick" the plan.

The Guardian

Critics cannot cherry pick their indicators and remain credible.

The Guardian

"I don't believe doctors are able to cherry pick".

The New York Times

You can't cherry pick your history.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

They cherry-pick the healthiest members (See "How Cherry Picking Could Hurt Obama's Health Care Plan").

Forbes

"They cherry-pick us.

The New York Times

We didn't cherry-pick them.

The New York Times

We cannot cherry-pick it".

The New York Times - Magazine

"But you can't cherry-pick".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cherry pick" to describe a deliberate selection of favorable items or information, often to support a specific argument or agenda.

Common error

Be mindful of the negative connotation associated with "cherry pick". While it accurately describes selective choosing, overuse can imply dishonesty or bias where none is intended. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "select" or "choose" when the context doesn't warrant the critical implication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cherry pick" functions as a verb, often used transitively, to describe the act of selecting specific items or pieces of information, usually those that are most advantageous or supportive of a particular viewpoint. Ludwig confirms the phrase's proper use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cherry pick" is a verb that describes selectively choosing favorable items or information, often with a critical implication of bias. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, primarily in News & Media, and Formal & Business. While "cherry pick" is a useful term, it's important to be aware of its negative connotation and consider more neutral alternatives when appropriate. Remember to use "cherry pick" accurately to describe deliberate selection driven by bias, and avoid overuse to maintain a balanced tone in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

selectively choose

Focuses on the act of selecting with care and intention, altering the emphasis.

handpick

Implies a careful and deliberate selection process, often suggesting a higher quality.

choose selectively

Highlights the selective aspect of the choice, potentially indicating bias.

pick and choose

Suggests a casual or whimsical approach to selection, differing in tone.

sift through

Emphasizes the process of examining items to find the desired ones.

single out

Highlights the act of isolating specific items from a larger group.

extract selectively

Focuses on removing desired components from a larger mixture.

cull

Suggests removing unwanted items, sometimes implying a reduction in overall quantity.

winnow

Involves separating desirable elements from undesirable ones, often used metaphorically.

glean

Implies gathering information or items gradually and carefully.

FAQs

How can I use "cherry pick" in a sentence?

You can use "cherry pick" to describe selectively choosing the best or most advantageous options from a larger group. For example, "The company was accused of cherry picking the most profitable projects".

What is the meaning of "cherry pick"?

The phrase "cherry pick" means to selectively choose the most beneficial or favorable items, often ignoring less desirable ones. It often carries a negative connotation, implying bias or manipulation.

Are there synonyms for "cherry pick"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "selectively choose", "handpick", or "pick and choose" depending on the context.

Is it acceptable to "cherry pick" data in research?

No, "cherry picking" data in research is unethical and undermines the validity of findings. Researchers should present all relevant data, not just the data that supports their hypothesis.