is being picked

USAGE SUMMARY

"is being picked" is an accurate and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are describing an action that is currently in progress. For example, "The apples from the orchard are being picked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Everything the kid does is being picked apart.

The New York Times - Sports

He is being picked on, he says, for political reasons.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Everything that can be eaten is being picked.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Those who malign the director and chair say Israel is being picked on.

Independent

"But I think a lot of people in the district think he is being picked on.

The New York Times

The cost of the executions is being picked over by local press.

The Guardian - Opinion

One good indicator is being picked for end-of-season or all-star teams.

The New York Times

The last part is being picked up by the Tate in the next month or so".

The Guardian - Arts

Or is being picked up by the likes of Channel 4 still the dream?

The Guardian

Those flounces and ruches were straight out of the Eighties, a decade which is being picked over once again.

Independent

Her column is being picked over with the same vigilance, even by people who dismiss it as irrelevant.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "is being picked" in contexts where the agent performing the action is unknown or unimportant. This emphasizes the receiver of the action.

Common error

Avoid using active voice when the passive construction with "is being picked" is more appropriate. For example, instead of "Someone is picking the fruit", use "The fruit is being picked" when you want to focus on the fruit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is being picked" functions as a present continuous passive construction. It indicates an ongoing action where the subject is receiving the action rather than performing it. This is validated by Ludwig AI, which confirms its accuracy and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is being picked" is a present continuous passive construction, commonly used to describe an ongoing action where the subject is the recipient. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. Predominantly found in news and media sources, this phrase serves to emphasize the process or object rather than the actor. For effective writing, remember to use it when the agent is unknown or less important than the action itself. By avoiding the misuse of active voice, writers can ensure clarity and focus on the intended subject. Related phrases include "is being selected" and "is being chosen", each offering slightly different nuances. Overall, "is being picked" is a versatile and essential phrase for expressing ongoing passive actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is being selected

Focuses specifically on the action of choosing or selecting something.

is being chosen

Highlights the act of making a choice from a range of options.

is being gathered

Emphasizes the action of collecting or assembling something.

is being taken up

Implies that something is being adopted or embraced.

is being scrutinized

Conveys the idea that something is being examined closely and critically.

is being assessed

Focuses on the evaluation or judgment of something.

is being reviewed

Suggests a formal examination or evaluation process.

is under consideration

Indicates that something is being thought about or deliberated on.

is being examined

Highlights a detailed and careful inspection of something.

is being targeted

Implies that something or someone is the focus of attention, often negatively.

FAQs

How can I use "is being picked" in a sentence?

The phrase "is being picked" describes an ongoing action in the passive voice. For instance, "The team "is being picked" based on their skills" shows the selection process is currently happening.

What's a good alternative to "is being picked"?

Alternatives include "is being selected", "is being chosen", or "is being gathered". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use passive voice with "is being picked"?

Use passive voice when the actor is unknown, unimportant, or when you want to emphasize the object receiving the action. For example, "The winner "is being picked" by a random draw".

What's the difference between "is being picked" and "was being picked"?

"Is being picked" describes an action happening now, while "was being picked" describes an action that was happening in the past. For example, "The apple "is being picked" now", versus "The apple "was being picked" yesterday".