picked off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "picked off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of removing or eliminating something or someone, often in a targeted manner. Example: "The sniper picked off the enemy soldiers one by one from his hidden position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ayabr is picked off!

The Guardian - Sport

He picked off two runners, too.

The New York Times - Sports

"And Chagrin in being picked off base.

The New York Times - Sports

Lions picked off half-starved stragglers.

The Economist

Then Dimry picked off Elway again.

The New York Times - Sports

"Got picked off second," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

He's being picked off at every opportunity.

The Guardian - Sport

Alfonso Soriano was picked off twice.

The New York Times - Sports

A huge play, Kaepernick is picked off!

The Guardian - Sport

This picked off his opponents' spade suit.

The New York Times

"You were getting picked off there.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "picked off" in a sports context, ensure the meaning is clear, specifying whether it refers to catching a runner off base or intercepting a pass.

Common error

Avoid using "picked off" in formal writing when a more precise term like "selected" or "removed" would be more appropriate. "Picked off" can sometimes sound informal depending on the subject of the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "picked off" primarily functions as a verb, describing the action of removing or selecting something or someone, often in a deliberate or targeted manner. Ludwig provides various examples across different domains to showcase its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Sports

30%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "picked off" is a versatile expression used to describe targeted removal, selection, or elimination, as explained by Ludwig. Its usage is prevalent in news, sports, and scientific contexts. While generally acceptable, it's crucial to consider the formality of the writing when choosing "picked off" over more precise alternatives like "selected" or "removed". The examples found through Ludwig confirm the broad applicability of this phrase, highlighting its nuanced meanings depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

singled out

Emphasizes the act of being chosen or selected from a larger group.

selected

Focuses on the choice aspect, often implying a deliberate decision.

targeted

Highlights the intentional focus or aim towards a specific individual or object.

removed

Indicates the act of taking away or eliminating someone or something.

eliminated

Suggests a more forceful removal, often implying competition or conflict.

intercepted

Specifically refers to stopping something in transit, like a pass in sports.

caught stealing

A baseball-specific term, similar to one meaning of "picked off".

taken out

A more general term for removal, often implying force or strategy.

chosen

Focuses on the act of selection, with a slightly more positive connotation.

sniped

Implies being targeted and eliminated from a distance, often used in military or gaming contexts.

FAQs

What does "picked off" mean in baseball?

In baseball, "picked off" refers to a situation where a baserunner is caught off base by the pitcher or catcher, resulting in an out.

What's a synonym for "picked off" in a general context?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms such as "selected", "removed", or "singled out" as alternatives to "picked off".

Is it correct to say someone was "picked off" in a business context?

While not incorrect, it might be more appropriate to use terms like "recruited", "selected", or "hired away" in a business setting, depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

How can I avoid misusing "picked off"?

Consider the context and ensure that the meaning aligns with the act of being specifically targeted, removed, or selected. If you're unsure, a more neutral term like "chosen" or "eliminated" might be safer.