pick among

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pick among" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to selecting from a group of options or choices. Example: "You can pick among the various flavors of ice cream available at the shop."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Would you have me pick among my children?

The New York Times

"You just have to take your pick among them".

The New York Times

If it seems impossible to pick among this variety, one deciding factor is usually cost.

The New York Times

Enter "emotional-support animal" into Google and take your pick among hundreds of willing professionals.

The New Yorker

WHAT TO DO Besides shopping, residents can pick among 17 kosher restaurants.

The New York Times

The tricolor, an impeccably fresh beauty, was the top pick among the salads.

The New York Times

The Limited is Mr. Filandro's top pick among the larger chains.

The New York Times

Last week a Goldman Sachs report identified Havas as a "top pick" among listed ad agencies.

The Guardian

But the first pick among the possibles is Hunting, an oil services business.

The Guardian - Business

Using DNA sequencing to analyze their genes, they could pick among them for the healthiest ones.

MIT Technology Review

She was also the most popular pick among Republicans, perhaps in part for the same reason.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your language by using synonyms like "select from" or "choose between" to avoid repetition and enhance the flow of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "pick among" without specifying the options available. Instead of saying "You can pick among many things", be specific: "You can "pick among" the available desserts".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pick among" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of selecting or choosing from a set of multiple options. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to express the process of making a choice.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pick among" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the act of choosing from multiple options. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The analysis reveals its frequent usage in news and media, with notable appearances in academic and business contexts. For variety, alternatives such as "select from" or "choose between" can be used, depending on the desired formality and the number of options. Remember to clearly specify the available choices to avoid ambiguity and ensure effective communication. The phrase is well-supported by numerous authoritative sources, solidifying its reliability in diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

choose between

Focuses on selecting between two specific options, limiting the scope compared to selecting from a larger group.

select from

A more formal alternative, emphasizing a careful and deliberate choice from available options.

opt for

Suggests a preference or decision in favor of one option over others, often implying a strategic choice.

decide between

Implies a deliberation process before making a choice, highlighting the decision-making aspect.

take your pick

An informal invitation to freely choose from a range of options, suggesting ease and availability.

make a selection

A broader term indicating the act of choosing, without necessarily implying a competitive context.

sort through

Indicates a process of reviewing and categorizing items before making a choice, adding a layer of organization.

sift through

Similar to "sort through", but implies a more careful and detailed examination to find the best option.

cherry-pick

Selecting only the best or most desirable items from a group, often implying a strategic advantage.

winnow down

Refers to reducing a large number of options to a smaller, more manageable selection through a process of elimination.

FAQs

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

Use "pick among" when you want to express the act of choosing from a group of options. For example, "Shoppers can "pick among" a variety of products".

What is a more formal alternative to "pick among"?

Alternatives to "pick among" include "select from" or "choose between", which are suitable for formal contexts.

How does "pick among" differ from "choose from"?

"Pick among" and "choose from" are very similar, but "pick among" can sometimes imply a more discerning selection process. The best word choice will depend on the context.

Is it correct to say "pick between" instead of "pick among"?

While "pick between" is acceptable, it's typically used when there are only two options. "Pick among" is more appropriate when there are three or more options.