has to be picked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has to be picked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something must be chosen or selected, often in a context where a decision is required. Example: "The winner of the contest has to be picked by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Marcus Stoinis has to be picked as the seam-bowling all-rounder at six.

The Guardian - Sport

That means Porter has to be picked up by somebody else.

The New York Times - Sports

One cat has to be picked up and carried around the house every morning.

The New York Times

But when you take both guys out, it's a lot of slack that has to be picked up.

The New York Times

Then what do you do?" Often, Mr. Reilly said, a second season has to be picked up before the first one even has its premiere.

The New York Times - Arts

If, for example, a pet has to be picked up at the vet's instead of home, beepers insure that the dog won't be stranded.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

His legs had to be picked from a tree.

The New York Times

There was no insistence that he had to be picked".

The Guardian - Sport

There was no insistence on the RFU's part that he had to be picked".

Independent

But all the how-to has had to be picked up, haphazardly, along the way.

The Guardian

The chips were annoying: they had to be picked out before eating.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has to be picked", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is responsible for making the selection. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's meaning.

Common error

While grammatically correct, excessive use of "has to be picked" can sound overly formal or stiff in casual conversations. Consider using more relaxed alternatives like "needs to be chosen" or "should be selected" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has to be picked" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating necessity or obligation in the passive voice. It signifies that someone or something is required or compelled to be chosen or selected. Ludwig examples show it is often used when a selection process is crucial.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has to be picked" is a grammatically correct and commonly used modal verb phrase that signifies the necessity of selection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile enough for various contexts, ranging from news reports to scientific discussions. While maintaining a mostly neutral tone, it leans towards formality, thus more relaxed alternatives may better suit informal conversations. It is often found in media and scientific sources. Remember to consider the clarity of who or what is responsible for making the selection when using this phrase. Ultimately, "has to be picked" is a reliable choice when you need to emphasize the obligation for something to be chosen.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must be selected

Replaces "has to" with the stronger modal verb "must", indicating a firmer requirement.

needs to be chosen

Substitutes "has to be" with "needs to be", softening the tone slightly.

should be chosen

Replaces "has to" with "should", suggesting a recommendation rather than a strict necessity.

is required to be selected

A more formal and elaborate version using "is required", increasing the emphasis on necessity.

is necessary to select

Restructures the sentence to emphasize the necessity of the action.

it is essential to choose

Highlights the essential nature of the selection process.

selection is mandatory

Shifts the focus to the mandatory nature of the selection itself.

demands selection

Uses "demands" to convey a sense of urgency or high importance.

leave no choice but selection

Emphasizes the lack of alternatives to the act of selection.

is bound for selection

Implies that the selection is inevitable or predetermined.

FAQs

How can I use "has to be picked" in a sentence?

You can use "has to be picked" to indicate a necessity for selection, as in "The right candidate "has to be picked" for this crucial role".

What are some alternatives to "has to be picked"?

Alternatives include phrases like "must be selected", "needs to be chosen", or "should be selected", depending on the level of necessity you want to convey.

Is it better to say "has to be picked" or "needs to be picked"?

"Has to be picked" and "needs to be picked" are both correct, but "has to be picked" carries a slightly stronger sense of obligation, while "needs to be picked" sounds a bit softer.

Can "has to be picked" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "has to be picked" is suitable for formal writing, especially when conveying a strict requirement. For extremely formal contexts, consider "is required to be selected" for added emphasis.