pick either

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pick either" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when giving someone a choice between two options. Example: "You can pick either the chocolate cake or the vanilla ice cream for dessert."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Multiplayer lets you pick either side too.

The Guardian - Tech

Picher can pick either figure or something in between.

The New York Times - Sports

I had to pick either congressman or reporter, and I decided that reporters had more fun.

The New York Times - Magazine

Voters in November will pick either a black president or a female vice-president, breaking new ground either way.

The Economist

"Obviously, it was a pretty controversial event but I supported Warren by saying you could pick either Brian or Jonathan Davis and they'd do a fantastic job.

The Guardian - Sport

Some 35percentt of voters in Missouri say they have no particular party loyalty, and the state allows voters to pick either party's primary ballot.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

He could have picked either side of the goal there.

The Guardian - Sport

Arthur maintains that he isn't close to picking either man.

The New Yorker

But picking either Ryan or Rubio would be a big gamble.

The New Yorker

"I think Obama will really be tough to beat in Nov. if he picks either Gen. Clark, Gov. Sebelius, Gov. Napolitano, Gov. Kaine or Sen. Hagel.

The New York Times - Magazine

She said she flirted with alternatives: hyphenating three names, picking either Segal or Reichlin to link with her husband's name.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting two options, follow "pick either" with clear and concise descriptions of each choice to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "pick either" when there are more than two options available. "Either" specifically refers to a choice between two items; for multiple choices, use "pick one" or "select any".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pick either" functions as a directive phrase, presenting two options and instructing someone to select one. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pick either" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase for presenting a choice between two options. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its broad applicability across diverse contexts, particularly in news, wiki, and scientific domains. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly define the two options available. While versatile, avoid using "pick either" when more than two choices exist. Alternatives include "choose one of two" or "select either one", depending on the desired level of formality. Remember to maintain clarity and provide sufficient context for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

choose one of two

Emphasizes the act of choosing from a pair, with a slightly more formal tone.

select either one

Highlights the selection process and maintains the binary choice aspect.

opt for either

Focuses on the decision to choose, indicating a preference.

go with either

Suggests a more casual and immediate decision.

make either selection

Highlights that you have to make one selection.

decide on either

Implies a more thoughtful consideration before choosing.

take your pick

Offers a direct invitation to choose, with a slightly informal tone.

make a choice between

Highlights the act of making a choice in situations where only 2 options are given.

determine either option

Emphasizes the determination from both given options.

elect either alternative

Formal and highlights selecting between alternatives.

FAQs

How to use "pick either" in a sentence?

Use "pick either" to present a choice between two distinct options. For example, "You can pick either the red shirt or the blue one." /s/choose+one+of+two

What can I say instead of "pick either"?

You can use alternatives like "choose one of two", "select either one", or "opt for either" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "pick either one"?

Yes, "pick either one" is grammatically correct and emphasizes the selection of a single option from two. It's slightly more emphatic than simply saying "pick either".

What's the difference between "pick either" and "choose between"?

"Pick either" directly offers the choice, while "choose between" highlights the decision-making process. For example, "Pick either dessert" presents the options, whereas "Choose between the cake and the pie" focuses on the act of deciding.