pick a solution

USAGE SUMMARY

"Pick a solution" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use it to introduce a list of potential solutions to a problem. For example, "We need to resolve this issue quickly. Here are a few potential solutions - pick one that you think will work best."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If the problem is underdetermined and no additional information about properties of the possible solutions is given, any algorithm attempting to solve the problem has to provide a selection criterion to pick a solution among the affine space of possible solutions.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Take your time and choose well, but remember that nobody is perfect; sometimes you might make a risky choice or end up picking a solution you regret, and that isn't the end of the world, either.

WikiHow

When in doubt, always pick a simple solution.

The New York Times

The options help developers pick an ad solution that works best with their existing app design, and there's an exchange rate that helps developers trade more credits for better placement in more high-performing markets, including different app categories and geographic locations.

TechCrunch

Pick a problem, propose a solution, call out the corrupt malefactors who block its pathway, and appeal to the people.

Huffington Post

Now, are you supposed to pick up a solution at the drug store?

BMC Family Practice

"That small operator is getting hammered with tech choices, they have to pick a point-of-sale solution, probably have to look at loyalty programs, online ordering platforms, look at analytics capabilities".

TechCrunch

Pick a number within your solution set, and plug it in for x.

WikiHow

For live imaging, GFP- or mCherry-expressing worms were picked into a solution of tricaine (2%) and tetramisole (0.4%), and incubated for 40 min. Worms were then pipetted onto a 3% agar pad, covered with a coverslip, and imaged immediately.

eLife

The simple solution is to pick an engine that never surges, whatever you do to it - and that's the EJ200.

BBC

The best solution is usually to pick an array of benchmarks suited for your investment and keep a close eye on each of them.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting multiple options, use "pick a solution" to encourage active selection and engagement with the decision-making process.

Common error

Avoid using "pick a solution" when the task is to discover a solution that is not yet known or presented as an option. "Pick" implies selecting from a set of existing choices, while "find" suggests searching for something that is not readily available.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pick a solution" functions as an imperative phrase used to instruct or suggest the selection of one solution from a range of possibilities. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pick a solution" is a grammatically sound and common way to suggest or instruct the selection of a solution from a set of options. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's generally correct for written English and finds usage across different contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While neutral in tone, more formal alternatives like "select a solution" might be preferable in formal contexts. The key is to use the phrase when there are existing options to choose from, rather than when searching for an unknown solution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

select a solution

Uses "select" instead of "pick", implying a more deliberate choice.

choose a solution

Replaces "pick" with "choose", a very common synonym.

decide on a solution

Similar to "choose a solution", but with a sense of finality.

adopt a solution

Suggests a formal acceptance and implementation of a solution.

identify a solution

Focuses on recognizing or discovering a solution, rather than just selecting it.

determine a solution

Emphasizes the process of figuring out or establishing a solution.

settle on a solution

Implies reaching an agreement or compromise on a solution.

opt for a solution

Highlights the act of making a decision in favor of a particular solution.

go with a solution

An informal way of saying "choose a solution".

implement a solution

Shifts focus to putting a solution into action.

FAQs

What does "pick a solution" mean?

The phrase "pick a solution" means to choose or select one solution from a set of available or proposed solutions to a problem or challenge.

What can I say instead of "pick a solution"?

You can use alternatives like "select a solution", "choose a solution", or "adopt a solution" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "pick a solution"?

It's appropriate to use "pick a solution" when there are multiple potential solutions available and a decision needs to be made about which one to use.

Is "pick a solution" formal or informal?

"Pick a solution" is generally considered to be neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal options like "select a solution" might be preferred in very formal writing.