either picking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "either picking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when presenting options or choices, typically in a context where two alternatives are being considered. Example: "You can either pick the red dress or the blue one for the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

And Billy, he's either picking a guitar or his nose.

The Guardian - Music

The dolls are grouped with symbolic props to suggest they are either picking flowers outdoors or practicing sewing.

The New York Times

But after years of financial losses on the route for Amtrak, Pennsylvania was faced with either picking up the tab or losing it altogether by Oct. 1.

The New York Times

Priceline.com, which added a seat selection feature in April for its listed-price tickets, says 65percentt of its travelers are either picking seats or specifying that they want an aisle or window.

The New York Times - Travel

And at least initially, the documents can be had only by either picking them up here, in remote Juneau — a city accessible only by plane or boat — or having them shipped, at considerable cost, to newsrooms across the country.

The New York Times

He's always on the cusp of either picking up awards or drawing in crowds, and we're finally getting the chance to see him try his hand at both, with films including Kray twins biopic Legend and blockbuster reboot Mad Max: Fury Road.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The batsmen either pick runs or block with ease.

The Guardian - Sport

I would be concerned if either picked up another injury.

Independent

It was either pick clubs for golfers or pick cotton, he said.

The New York Times - Sports

The options are limited - you can either pick the angry child up - or pick it up.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

World news is either picked up off the radio or thru the Agence France Presse.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "either picking", ensure that the sentence structure clearly presents two distinct and mutually exclusive options.

Common error

Avoid failing to complete the parallel structure after "either". Ensure that what follows "either" is grammatically consistent with what follows "or". For example, instead of "either picking apples or to eat pears", use "either picking apples or picking pears".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "either picking" functions as a correlative conjunction, connecting two parallel grammatical structures and presenting them as alternatives. Ludwig examples show it being used to introduce choices between different actions or states.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "either picking" is a correlative construction used to present two alternative options, suggesting a choice between them. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, noting that it appears in a variety of contexts, from news and media to scientific literature. While not exceedingly common, its usage is consistent and clear, particularly when presenting mutually exclusive options. Remember to maintain parallel structure when employing this phrase, ensuring grammatical consistency between the alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

either selecting

Focuses on the act of selection rather than the ongoing action of picking.

either choosing

Replaces 'picking' with 'choosing', emphasizing the decision-making process.

either opting for

Uses 'opting for' to highlight a more deliberate and formal selection process.

either deciding on

Similar to 'choosing' but with a slightly stronger emphasis on reaching a decision.

either going with

Employs a more informal tone, suggesting a casual selection process.

either taking

Uses "taking" in some contexts, such as "either taking a class" or "either taking a job".

either favoring

Emphasizes a preference for one option over another.

either grabbing

Suggests a quick and informal selection, like picking something up quickly.

either employing

Implies using a particular method or strategy, rather than a physical picking action.

either utilizing

A more formal and technical alternative to 'picking', suggesting a specific purpose for the selection.

FAQs

How can I use "either picking" in a sentence?

Use "either picking" to present two mutually exclusive options, as in "The algorithm is "either picking" the best option or selecting a random one".

What are some alternatives to using "either picking"?

Depending on the context, consider using phrases like "either choosing", "either selecting", or "either opting for" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "either picking"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct when used as part of a larger structure indicating a choice between two actions or options. For instance, "You're "either picking" it up, or having it delivered".

What's the difference between "either picking" and "either choosing"?

"Either picking" implies a selection process that could be more immediate or physical, while "either choosing" suggests a more deliberate decision-making process.