picked out

USAGE SUMMARY

"picked out" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone or something has been identified or chosen from a larger group. For example, "The teacher picked out two students to compete in the spelling bee."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She's picked out".

The New York Times

Her boyfriend picked out earphones.

The New York Times

He, in turn, picked out the suspect.

The New York Times

Not one picked out all the mistakes.

The Economist

Online, she picked out several more items.

The New York Times

The record company picked out the singles.

The New Yorker

She picked out a special outfit.

The New York Times - Arts

Reyes even picked out his new locker.

The New York Times

Let's have someone else picked out, yeah.

Yale University

Two picked out Mr. Lemus.

The New York Times

I have picked out three.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a visual identification, consider using "picked out" to convey that the subject stood out from others.

Common error

While "picked out" is versatile, in formal or scientific writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "selected", "identified", or "designated" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "picked out" is as a phrasal verb functioning as the past tense of the verb phrase "pick out". It typically describes the action of selecting or identifying something or someone from a larger group. Ludwig indicates this is a standard and acceptable use of English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "picked out" is a commonly used phrasal verb that effectively conveys the act of selecting or identifying something from a group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it follows standard grammar rules and is widely accepted in English. While it is versatile, it's important to consider the context and choose more formal alternatives like "selected" or "identified" in formal writing. Its prevalence in news and media sources highlights its general applicability, while its presence in scientific and academic texts demonstrates its broader utility. Remember to use "picked out" when you want to imply a degree of discernment in the selection process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

selected

Focuses on the act of choosing, omitting the notion of distinguishing from a group.

chose

Simple past tense of choose, indicating a selection was made.

identified

Emphasizes the recognition aspect rather than the act of choosing.

singled out

Suggests a more deliberate and often exclusive selection.

handpicked

Implies a careful and selective choice, often with a positive connotation.

extracted

Focuses on removing something from a larger entity.

separated

Highlights the act of setting something apart.

distinguished

Emphasizes the ability to notice differences and select based on those.

marked

Suggests selection by some kind of visible indication.

designated

Indicates that something has been officially chosen for a specific purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "picked out" in a sentence?

You can use "picked out" to indicate that someone or something was selected from a group. For example, "She "picked out" her favorite dress for the party" or "The detective "picked out" the suspect from the lineup".

What are some alternatives to "picked out"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "selected", "chose", "identified", or "singled out".

Is "picked out" formal or informal?

"Picked out" is generally considered neutral in register. While suitable for most everyday contexts, more formal alternatives like "selected" or "designated" might be preferred in academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "picked out" and "chosen"?

"Chosen" is a more general term for selecting something. "Picked out" implies a selection from a larger group, often based on specific criteria or discernment. You might say "She chose a book", but "She "picked out" a book from the shelf" suggests she carefully considered her options.