it can pick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can pick" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the ability of something to select or choose from a set of options. Example: "The software is designed to analyze data and determine which variables it can pick for the final report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Raytheon, its maker, says it can pick up the telltale heat emanations of targets only in the last 100 or so seconds before impact.

The New York Times

Users, who watch what's happening via a video feed, can move the robot around and control its arms to such a precise degree it can pick up objects.

BBC

As such, it has an advantage over 'opportunistic sensing' approaches, and it can pick up subtler movements such as finger movements in its newest version".

BBC

It can pick them up from 350m".

The Guardian

To an extent, it can pick and choose.

The Economist

It can pick up a particle of dust in Algeria and put it down in Venezuela.

The New Yorker

The bigger the music firm, the more it can pick winners and steer the digital market.

The Economist

Instead, once the program has been fixed, it can pick right up where it left off.

MIT Technology Review

When the government claims that it can pick and choose what constitutes a religious work, it violates religious liberty.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"If Daschle is really worried about it, he can pick it up and pass it".

The New York Times

The school does what it can — picks them up, feeds them, educates them, disciplines them, drops them back home.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it can pick" when you want to emphasize the ability of something to select or choose from a range of options based on specific criteria. For example, "The algorithm is designed so that "it can pick" the best candidates based on their qualifications."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "it can pick" may sound less formal than alternatives like "it is able to select" or "it is equipped to identify". Consider the context and audience when choosing your words.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can pick" functions as a verb phrase expressing the subject's ability or capacity to select, choose, or identify something. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in diverse contexts, from robots picking objects to software selecting data.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

28%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it can pick" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that denotes the ability to select or choose. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and technology. While its register is generally neutral, more formal alternatives may sometimes be preferable depending on the specific context and audience. The phrase is widely understood and accepted, making it a versatile option for expressing the capacity for selection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is able to select

Focuses on the ability to choose, emphasizing capability.

it has the capacity to choose

Highlights the inherent potential or aptitude for selection.

it is equipped to identify

Emphasizes the tools or resources enabling identification.

it is designed to select

Highlights the intended purpose of selection, emphasizing design.

it is capable of choosing

Stresses the inherent ability and competence in making choices.

it has the option to choose

Implies there's a discretionary power of selecting.

it is in a position to select

Highlights the favorable circumstances for making a selection.

it's empowered to choose

Indicates that authority has been given for the selection

it may opt to choose

Suggests the availability of choice with uncertainty of it being selected.

it is allowed to select

Highlights the permission or authorisation to perform selection.

FAQs

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

Use "it can pick" to indicate the capability of something to select or choose something. For example, "The program is designed so that "it can pick" the most relevant information from the database."

What are some alternatives to "it can pick"?

You can use alternatives like "it can select", "it is able to choose", or "it has the capacity to select" depending on the context.

Is "it can pick" formal or informal?

"It can pick" is generally considered neutral. While widely used, more formal options like "it is equipped to identify" or "it is designed to select" may be preferable in academic or business settings.

When is it appropriate to use "it can pick"?

It's appropriate to use "it can pick" when you want to describe a system's ability to choose, select, or identify something from a set of possibilities. For example, "The sensor is so sensitive that "it can pick" up even the faintest vibrations."