seek to pick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seek to pick" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing an intention or desire to choose or select something. Example: "In this meeting, we seek to pick the best candidate for the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

They seek to pick up chicks.

The New Yorker

Predictive analytics explicitly seek to pick winners, sideline losers, and manage risk.

Harvard Business Review

What luck for government as they seek to pick off councils' remaining powers under the guise of localism.

The Guardian

Furthermore, it's impossible not to respond in kind; to seek to pick holes in Raine's arguments as he has done in others'.

The Guardian - Books

It is now being produced independently and will seek to pick up funding at the upcoming American Film Market in Santa Barbara next month.

The Guardian - Film

But Republicans are investing heavily in protecting incumbents, in an effort to reduce the number of targets available to Democrats as they seek to pick up the 25 seats they need to reclaim the majority in the House.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

What's more, in 2011 the Israeli authorities rejected 42 percent of applications by Palestinians seeking to pick olives.

The New York Times

Two races will provide a test for the prowess of an emerging "super PAC" that seeks to pick off incumbents from both parties.

The New York Times

One driver interviewed last year mused that the apple green paint was "like a target" for those, like him, who sought to pick up illegal street hails in Manhattan.

The New York Times

Given the turmoil enveloping the larger firms, smaller banks like Lazard and Evercore are seeking to pick up a bigger share of mergers advisory business.

The New York Times

The United States pressed Beijing to reduce the flow of cheap textiles while Europe sought to pick up the pieces of its failed quota deal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seek to pick" to express a deliberate intention to choose or select something specific, especially when emphasizing the purpose behind the selection.

Common error

Avoid using "seek to pick" in very casual conversations. While grammatically sound, it can sound overly formal or pretentious in informal settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "want to choose" or "try to pick".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek to pick" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. It is typically used to describe the reason or intention behind an action, indicating an effort to choose or select something specific. Ludwig confirms that this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seek to pick" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to express the intention to choose or select something, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, often carrying a neutral but slightly formal tone. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context and audience, opting for simpler alternatives in casual settings. Ludwig's examples illustrate its application across various scenarios, from political strategy to business decisions, highlighting its utility in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aim to select

Uses 'aim' instead of 'seek', implying a goal-oriented choice.

look to choose

Uses 'look' indicating intention to make a choice.

strive to choose

Replaces 'seek' with 'strive', suggesting a determined effort to choose.

endeavor to select

Employs 'endeavor' for a more formal tone, indicating a serious attempt to select.

try to identify

Focuses on the act of identifying as a form of selection.

attempt to find

Highlights the effort to find something specific.

aspire to elect

Suggests a high-level ambition to elect or choose.

plan to designate

Indicates a planned action to designate someone or something.

set out to appoint

Implies a deliberate start to the process of appointing someone.

intend to cull

Suggests a more selective and potentially exclusionary choosing process.

FAQs

How can I use "seek to pick" in a sentence?

You can use "seek to pick" when you want to express a deliberate intention to choose or select something. For example, "We "seek to pick" the most qualified candidate for this position".

What are some alternatives to "seek to pick"?

Alternatives include "aim to select", "strive to choose", or "try to identify", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "seek to pick" formal or informal?

"Seek to pick" leans towards formal usage. In more casual contexts, consider using phrases like "want to choose" or "try to pick" for a more relaxed tone.

What's the difference between "seek to pick" and "try to pick"?

"Seek to pick" suggests a more deliberate and purposeful selection process, while "try to pick" implies a more exploratory or experimental approach. The former is more formal and intentional.