picking items

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "picking items" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of selecting or choosing specific objects or products, often in contexts like shopping, inventory management, or organizing. Example: "After reviewing the list, I started picking items from the shelf to fulfill the order."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Kiki began picking items off the racks.

The New Yorker

"They can do some pretty advanced merchandising now, without having to dedicate staff to picking items," Mr. Duvall said.

The New York Times - Tech

Girls and Boys Math as a Spectator Sport Einstein's Riddle Picking Items from a Bag Where's the Moon?

The New York Times

In a live broadcast on Sunday afternoon, Colin Brazier was shown picking items out of the opened luggage, including a set of keys and toothbrush, before saying: "We shouldn't really be doing this, I suppose".

The Guardian

Most of the games are controlled by a computer keyboard's directional buttons, and the object is to drive a vehicle around or through a track, avoiding obstacles and picking items that increase the power of the vehicle in some way.

The New York Times - Tech

To spend 10½ hours a day picking items off the shelves is to contemplate the darkest recesses of our consumerist desires, the wilder reaches of stuff, the things that money can buy: a One Direction charm bracelet, a dog onesie, a cat scratching post designed to look like a DJ's record deck, a banana slicer, a fake twig.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Item picking, item loading, flight time, and delivery have time requirements that can be reduced through supply chain efficiency and the like, but only so far.

TechCrunch

You pick items to match and play off one another.

The New York Times

"You want to pick items that have a broad appeal," Mr. Banducci of HMSHost said.

The New York Times

So they should pick items that they would enjoy or that make them more secure.

The New York Times

In a context, a user can pick items, make selections, drag items, and in general, use the mouse to manipulate the scene.

Complete Maya Programming Volume II An In-depth Guide to 3D Fundamentals, Geometry, and Modeling

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process involving selection, use "picking items" to convey the hands-on, active nature of choosing specific objects from a larger set.

Common error

Ensure clarity by specifying the source or context from which items are being picked. Vague references can lead to confusion about what is being selected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "picking items" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun within a sentence. It describes the activity of selecting or choosing specific objects. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound and common.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "picking items" is a grammatically correct and common gerund phrase used to describe the act of selecting or choosing specific objects. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. Its register is typically neutral, appearing across various contexts from news and media to scientific articles and wikis. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the source or context from which items are being picked to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "selecting products" or "choosing articles" based on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

selecting products

Focuses on the selection aspect, specifically in a commercial or retail setting.

choosing articles

Emphasizes the act of making a choice among a set of articles or items.

gathering objects

Implies a collection or accumulation of objects, rather than just selection.

obtaining goods

Highlights the acquisition of goods, often in a formal or business context.

acquiring merchandise

Specifically refers to obtaining goods for sale or trade.

extracting elements

Suggests a more technical or scientific process of removing elements from a source.

procuring materials

Implies a formal or official process of acquiring necessary materials.

collecting specimens

Refers to gathering samples for scientific or research purposes.

harvesting resources

Implies a process of gathering natural resources, often in agriculture or mining.

compiling components

Focuses on assembling a set of components or parts.

FAQs

How can I use "picking items" in a sentence?

You can use "picking items" to describe the act of selecting specific objects from a larger group, for example: "The robot is designed for "picking items" in a warehouse".

What are some alternatives to "picking items"?

Alternatives include "selecting products", "choosing articles", or "gathering objects", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "picking items" or "selecting items"?

Both phrases are correct, but "picking items" often implies a more manual or hands-on selection process, while "selecting items" can be more general.

What's the difference between "picking items" and "picking up items"?

"Picking items" refers to the act of choosing or selecting, whereas "picking up items" typically means physically lifting or collecting them. For example, "He was "picking items" for his online order", versus "He was "picking up items" from the floor".