should be picked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be picked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is recommended or necessary to be chosen or selected. Example: "The best candidates for the job should be picked based on their experience and skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Response should be picked for various pass response.

Op Amps for Everyone

"The small dogs should be picked up..

The New Yorker

"They should be picked up by the state".

The New York Times

All refunds should be picked up at the Bursar Office located at Day Hall.

Cornell University

If picking blind, a large number (>100) colonies should be picked.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"I don't see why water should be picked on," said Trevor Fenton, a retired Bundanoon resident.

The New York Times

"The books should be picked up and out of there in two weeks, three weeks, max".

The New Yorker

He is now blocking the services directive, which he said this week was "unacceptable" and should be "picked apart".

The Economist

The evidence mounts that top state judges should be picked and appointed through merit selection, not elected.

The New York Times

"The small dogs should be picked up... and move away from the back... wait, you're too close".

The New Yorker

It remains to be seen how Mr Obama thinks his successor to the Senate should be picked.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should be picked" in writing, ensure the context clearly indicates the criteria or reason for selection. This provides clarity and strengthens the recommendation.

Common error

Avoid using "should be picked" without specifying why something should be chosen. Always provide context or criteria to justify the recommendation, making the statement more persuasive and actionable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be picked" functions as a modal passive construction. The modal verb "should" expresses a recommendation or obligation, while the passive voice indicates that the subject is the recipient of the action. Ludwig AI shows this phrase is widely used across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

27%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should be picked" is a versatile and frequently used modal passive construction that expresses a recommendation or expectation for selection. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly found in diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. While its register is generally neutral, awareness of selection criteria and avoidance of vague statements are important for effective usage. When other options are available, alternatives such as "ought to be selected" and "needs to be chosen" may be considered to add nuance or emphasis. These findings align with Ludwig's assessment of the phrase's clarity and usability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to be selected

Replaces "should" with "ought to", conveying a sense of moral obligation or advisability in the selection process.

needs to be chosen

Emphasizes the necessity of making a selection, replacing "should" with "needs to".

has to be selected

Highlights the requirement for selection, using "has to be" instead of "should be".

must be chosen

Indicates a strong obligation to choose, replacing "should" with "must".

is advisable to select

Replaces the modal verb with an adjective construction, making the suggestion more explicit.

is recommended to be chosen

Directly states that the choice is recommended, formalizing the suggestion.

it's preferable to select

Expresses a preference for selection, offering a slightly weaker recommendation.

it would be best to choose

Presents the selection as the optimal course of action, softening the original directive.

selection is advised

Transforms the phrase into a passive construction, emphasizing the advisability of the selection.

consider choosing

Suggests the act of choosing as something to consider, making it a softer recommendation.

FAQs

How can I use "should be picked" in a sentence?

Use "should be picked" when recommending someone or something for selection based on specific criteria. For example, "The most qualified candidate "should be picked" for the job."

What are some alternatives to using "should be picked"?

You can use alternatives like "ought to be selected", "needs to be chosen", or "must be selected" depending on the level of emphasis you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "should have been picked" instead of "should be picked"?

"Should have been picked" refers to a past action that did not occur, while ""should be picked"" refers to a current or future recommendation for selection. The choice depends on the intended time frame.

What is the difference between "should be picked" and "could be picked"?

"Should be picked" expresses a recommendation or expectation, while "could be picked" indicates a possibility or potential for selection. The former is stronger and more directive.