must be picked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must be picked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is required to be selected or chosen. Example: "The best candidates must be picked for the final interview to ensure we find the right fit for the position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Must be picked ripe.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Niños, the papayas must be picked.

The New Yorker

Interlibrary Loan materials must be picked up in person.

Harvard University

For system design, the dimensions of the combustion channel must be picked to minimize transfer limitations.

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

Available materials usually arrive within four business days and must be picked up in person.

Harvard University

Requests are fulfilled in about 4 business days and must be picked up in person.

Harvard University

Unopened flowers of broccoli are eaten and crop must be picked before yellow petals appear.

The New York Times - Arts

Admission is free, but tickets must be picked up in person at the information desk.

The New York Times - Arts

And no matter where they are growing, flowers must be picked constantly.

The New York Times

Pears must be picked green and quickly packed and chilled, or they go soft in shipping.

The New York Times

Tickets are free but must be picked up at the Juilliard box office.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must be picked" in formal writing, ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is responsible for the picking action. For example, specify "the apples must be picked by the farmer" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "must be picked" in overly casual settings, as it can sound overly formal or stiff. Opt for more natural alternatives like "needs to be picked" or "should be picked" depending on the level of necessity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be picked" functions as a passive construction expressing obligation or necessity. According to Ludwig, it is used to indicate that an action (picking) is required. This is evident in examples such as "pears must be picked green" and "flowers must be picked constantly."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "must be picked" is a frequently used passive construction indicating a required action, as affirmed by Ludwig. It is grammatically sound and employed across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Science. While adaptable, it is most effective when clear about who or what is responsible for the picking. Ludwig shows that it often appears in formal contexts. When in doubt, "needs to be chosen" offers a less formal alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has to be selected

Emphasizes necessity using "has to" instead of "must".

needs to be chosen

Replaces "must" with "needs to", focusing on requirement.

is required to be selected

Formally expresses the necessity of selection.

is essential to pick

Highlights the essential nature of picking, changing from passive to active voice.

demands to be chosen

Implies an inherent demand or need for selection.

should be selected

Indicates advisability or recommendation rather than strict necessity.

is imperative to select

Highlights the urgency or critical nature of picking, changing from passive to active voice.

is obligatory to choose

Focuses on the mandatory aspect of selecting, changing from passive to active voice.

is vital that it's chosen

Emphasizes the importance of choosing something, adding a personal tone.

selection is compulsory

Shifts focus to the act of selection being compulsory.

FAQs

How can I use "must be picked" in a sentence?

Use "must be picked" to indicate a requirement or necessity for something to be selected or gathered. For example, "The ripe tomatoes "must be picked" before they rot."

What are some alternatives to "must be picked"?

You can use alternatives such as "has to be selected", "needs to be chosen", or "is required to be selected" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it more appropriate to use "must be picked" or "should be picked"?

"Must be picked" implies a stronger obligation or necessity than "should be picked". Use "must" when there is a strict requirement and "should" when it's a recommendation or suggestion. For example, "The fruit "must be picked" today to avoid spoilage," versus "The fruit "should be picked" soon for best flavor."

In what situations is "must be picked" most suitable?

"Must be picked" is most suitable in formal or authoritative contexts where clear directives are needed, such as instructions, regulations, or official communications. It is less appropriate for casual conversation, where alternatives like "needs to be picked" or "has to be picked" are more appropriate.