is picked over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is picked over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something has been thoroughly examined or selected, often implying that only the best or most desirable items remain. Example: "After the sale, the clearance rack was picked over, leaving only a few items behind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

It is picked over for evidence that the media has gone overboard.

The Economist

Here it is picked over again and then thrown on the carts to be hauled away to the dump".

The New York Times

Teleprompters also protect a president whose every word is picked over, shielding him from inadvertently making a diplomatic faux pas.

The Washington Post

The remaining waste is picked over by the cleaners and watchmen at the apartment block they live in before being put out in a municipal skip where rag-pickers like Mrs Hiyale search through it again.

The Economist

It would be easy for her to steer clear of contentious subjects – everything she says is picked over by the press, which seems to make her slightly fretful – but she feels a responsibility to address them.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Even her disastrous autobiographical Broadway show, "Peg," by which time she suggested an eerie ghost of her former self, is picked over for whatever tasty crumbs he can scavenge.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Tennessee is picking over the ruins of the Titans like a house that burned down.

The New York Times

Discussion on Internet movie sites is picking over the potentially sinister implications.

The New York Times

Everyone else is picking over the remnants of a big meal.

The Guardian - Music

"But often they look like they've been picked over".

The New York Times - Health

Other industries besides energy are being picked over, too.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is picked over", ensure the context clearly indicates that a thorough selection or examination has occurred, often implying that only the remaining items are of lesser value or quality. This phrase works best when you want to convey a sense of depletion or exhaustive search.

Common error

Avoid using "is picked over" when the selection process is ongoing or incomplete. The phrase implies that the best options have already been taken, and only remnants remain. Ensure that your usage accurately reflects this sense of finality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is picked over" functions as a passive verb phrase, typically used to describe a noun that has undergone a thorough selection or examination process. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically correct. Examples show its use in describing everything from merchandise to ideas being thoroughly examined.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is picked over" effectively communicates that something has undergone a thorough examination or selection, often implying that only the less desirable items remain. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct. Analysis of various sources indicates its frequent use in news and media to describe scenarios where resources, ideas, or merchandise have been exhaustively vetted or chosen. While it can be used in various contexts, it's important to ensure that the implication of thoroughness and potential depletion aligns with the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is thoroughly examined

Focuses on the depth of examination rather than the selection aspect.

is carefully selected

Emphasizes the act of choosing with care, omitting the exhaustive search.

is scrupulously scrutinized

Highlights the meticulous and critical nature of the examination.

is minutely inspected

Stresses the detailed level of inspection.

is combed through

Implies a systematic search, often for specific items or information.

is carefully vetted

Indicates a process of verification and approval after examination.

is meticulously reviewed

Emphasizes a detailed and careful assessment.

is selectively chosen

Highlights the act of choosing based on specific criteria.

is rigorously investigated

Implies a formal and thorough inquiry.

is sifted through

Suggests separating desirable elements from unwanted ones.

FAQs

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

You can use "is picked over" to describe a situation where something has been thoroughly examined or selected, leaving only the less desirable items behind. For example, "After the sale, the clearance rack "was picked over", leaving only a few items behind."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "is thoroughly examined", "is carefully selected", or "is combed through", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when something "is picked over"?

When something "is picked over", it means that it has been examined or selected thoroughly, typically leaving behind only the less desirable or valuable items. It implies a sense of depletion or exhaustive search.

Is "is picked over" formal or informal?

The phrase "is picked over" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more commonly found in news and media than in highly formal academic writing.