picks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "picks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to selections or choices made from a group or set of options. Example: "She always makes the best picks when it comes to movies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sergievsky came to this country in 1923 & for a year worked with a pick & shovel on the Holland Tunnel.

The New Yorker

If the prisoners were doing road-building, they toiled with picks, sledgehammers, shovels, and wheelbarrows.

The New Yorker

"The new enterprise companies are the picks and shovels that sit behind these consumer start-ups".

The New York Times

They also have sterling-silver trowels for this purpose, and silver picks and shovels.

The New Yorker

The men in khaki held picks and shovels as if they were rifles.

The New Yorker

By fixing bits of wood to our picks and shovels, we constructed stretchers and bore them away.

Independent

RISE ABOVE THE FRAY Why jump into the gold rush when you can sell picks and shovels to the prospectors?

The New York Times

Readers Opinions Forum Televisionon Here is the easy way to get rich during a gold rush: while thousands of prospectors head for the hills, pick and shovel in hand, you stay in town, open a store and sell them those picks and shovels.

The New York Times - Arts

Work that was once done by men with picks and shovels is now done by explosives and enormous machines.

The Guardian - Opinion

Indeed, it wasn't long before men with picks and shovels appeared, having liberated the tracks ahead.

The New York Times - Travel

Using picks and shovels, they spent months carving their way into the mountain, eventually digging 12,000 feet of linked tunnels.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To use "picks" effectively, ensure the context is clear. Are you referring to selecting items, or to the physical tools? Clarity will help avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using the "picks and shovels" analogy superficially. Ensure your audience understands the underlying concept of profiting from providing essential resources rather than direct participation. A weak understanding dilutes the analogy's impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "picks" is as a plural noun. As shown in Ludwig, it refers either to the physical tools used for digging or breaking materials or to selections or choices made from a set of options.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "picks" functions primarily as a plural noun, referring to tools for digging or selections. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and versatile, fitting into various contexts. The phrase is frequently used in News & Media, and the "picks and shovels" analogy provides a historical reference that adds depth to business-related discussions. While the phrase is mainly neutral in tone, it is often found in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Economist. Understanding the nuances of "picks", whether in the literal or figurative sense, enhances clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

selections

Replaces the general notion of choosing or selecting items from a larger set.

choices

Emphasizes the act of making a decision between multiple options.

options

Highlights the available possibilities for selection.

tools

Focuses on instruments used for a specific purpose, like mining or construction.

implements

A more formal term for tools or instruments.

instruments

Similar to "tools" but can also refer to devices used for measurement or control.

equipment

Refers to a set of tools or other objects needed for a particular activity.

gear

Informal term for equipment or tools.

assortment

Highlights a varied collection of items.

collection

A group of items gathered together.

FAQs

What does the phrase "picks and shovels" mean in a business context?

The phrase "picks and shovels" refers to providing the essential tools and services needed for others to succeed in a venture, rather than directly participating in it. It's a reference to the California Gold Rush, where suppliers of "tools" made more money than the gold miners.

How can I use "picks" in a sentence referring to choices?

You can use "picks" to refer to selections or choices. For example, "She always makes the best "selections" when it comes to movies" or "These are my top "choices" for vacation destinations".

What are some alternatives to using "picks" when referring to tools?

When referring to tools, you can use alternatives such as "tools", "implements", or "equipment" depending on the specific context. The term "picks" specifically refers to a pointed tool used for breaking up hard surfaces.

Is it correct to use "picks" to describe favorite items?

Yes, it is acceptable to use "picks" to describe favorite items, especially in informal contexts. For instance, "These are my top "favorite" songs of the year". However, consider using more formal alternatives like "selections" or "choices" in professional settings.