picky to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "picky to" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is selective or particular about something. Example: "She was always picky to the point of annoyance when it came to choosing a restaurant for dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

It's picky to say the plot makes no sense.

The Guardian - Books

Newspapers, like this one, have used the word "picky" to describe them.

Independent

It allowed us the leisure to be a little more picky, to look for the house we wanted".

The New York Times

It seems picky to complain, since she translated it herself, with Pierre Guglielmina, a noted translator into French.

The New York Times - Books

A child of the 1960s counterculture, he abhorred materialism and lived in simply furnished houses (in part because he was too picky to decide on furniture).

The Economist

This is rare in a tulip, for most of the species are too picky to last long in ground that lies wet in winter, as it does here.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

So while refusing to let your child dress up as a hobo for Halloween might seem nit-picky to some parents – or, at least parents who are not and have never been homeless – it's not.

The Guardian - Opinion

He made so many good, major decisions it would be nit-picky to highlight the few errors in judgment he had.

Huffington Post

This may sound overly nit-picky to some, but it cuts to the core of what messaging is: not just intellectually connecting with the audience, but emotionally connecting as well -- which leads to deeper cognitive connections than by just quoting a bunch of facts and figures.

Huffington Post

Seed mixtures allow the hamster to be picky and to select the tastier, less healthy items.

WikiHow

Cooking with children is also a wonderful way to get picky eaters to try new foods.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "picky to" to describe a tendency to be selective or fastidious about specific things. For example, "The software is very "picky to" run properly, requiring specific configurations."

Common error

While "picky to" is acceptable, it can sound less professional in formal writing. Consider alternatives like "selective to" or "demanding to" for a more refined tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "picky to" functions primarily as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a high degree of selectiveness or specific requirements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "picky to" is a grammatically sound phrase that describes a high degree of selectiveness or specific requirements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is generally correct. It's frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, although it can be considered less formal in certain professional environments. When aiming for a more refined tone, alternatives such as "selective to" or "demanding to" might be preferred. While "picky to" is a common expression, understanding its register and purpose allows for more effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

choosy to

Slightly less formal than "picky to", but conveys a similar meaning of being selective.

selective to

More formal and emphasizes the act of choosing carefully.

fastidious to

Implies a high level of detail and precision in one's preferences.

particular to

Highlights specific preferences or requirements.

demanding to

Suggests high standards and expectations.

difficult to

Shifts the focus to the challenge presented by someone's preferences.

exacting to

Implies a high degree of precision and rigor.

fussy to

Suggests excessive concern with minor details.

discriminating to

Highlights the ability to make fine distinctions and judgments.

critical to

Emphasizes a tendency to find fault or judge harshly.

FAQs

How can I use "picky to" in a sentence?

You can use "picky to" to describe someone or something that has very specific requirements or preferences. For example: "The application is very "picky to" install correctly" or "She is very "picky to" what she eats".

What are some alternatives to "picky to"?

Some alternatives to "picky to" include "selective to", "demanding to", and "particular to". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "picky to" in writing?

"Picky to" is suitable in a variety of contexts, particularly when describing something that requires careful attention to detail. However, in very formal or professional settings, consider using a more sophisticated alternative such as "exacting to" or "discriminating to".

Is "picky to" grammatically correct?

Yes, "picky to" is grammatically correct, as stated by Ludwig AI. It is often used to describe something or someone with specific preferences or requirements.