they were picked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were picked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a selection or choice was made regarding a group of people or items. Example: "After a long deliberation, they were picked to represent the school in the national competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They were picked for their color.

The New Yorker

On the 47th they were picked up by Japanese sailors.

The New York Times

They were picked up by a Filipino fisherman.

The New York Times

They were picked off by the Lions in attack.

The Guardian - Sport

Everybody did what they were picked to do.

The Guardian - Sport

They were picked up shortly before they were to be loaded on a flight to Bogota.

The New Yorker

They were picked up by country folk who came to market.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The couple said the authorities told them they were picked at random for questioning.

The New York Times

They were picked at random to be in one of three groups.

The New York Times - Health

They said they were picked up because the boy's feet froze in his shoes".

The Guardian

They were picked at random to receive medical therapy or one of two operations.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were picked" when you want to emphasize the act of selection from a larger group. Ensure the context clearly indicates the criteria or reason for the selection.

Common error

Avoid using "they were picked" when an active voice construction is more appropriate and direct. For example, instead of "They were picked by the coach", consider "The coach picked them" if the agent is important.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were picked" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a group (represented by "they") underwent the action of being selected or chosen. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Examples show its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were picked" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It effectively communicates the act of selection, suitable for various contexts ranging from news and media to scientific writing. While formal alternatives like "they were chosen" or "they were selected" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance and desired level of formality. It's essential to consider whether the passive voice best serves the purpose, or if an active construction would provide more clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were chosen

Replaces 'picked' with a more formal synonym, suggesting a deliberate selection process.

they were selected

Similar to 'chosen', but often implies a more systematic or rigorous selection.

they were handpicked

Emphasizes careful and individual selection, often by a specific person.

they were designated

Implies being officially assigned to a role or purpose.

they were appointed

Suggests a formal assignment to a position, often by someone in authority.

they were named

Focuses on the act of being identified or nominated.

they were singled out

Highlights being chosen from a larger group, often for a specific reason.

they were favored

Implies preference or preferential treatment in the selection process.

they were preferred

Similar to 'favored', suggesting a higher value or desirability.

they were culled

Implies a process of elimination to select the best or most suitable.

FAQs

How can I use "they were picked" in a sentence?

Use "they were picked" to indicate that a group of people or items was selected from a larger set. For example, "They were picked for the team because of their skills."

What's a more formal alternative to "they were picked"?

More formal alternatives include "they were chosen" or "they were selected", which convey a similar meaning with a slightly elevated tone.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when using the phrase "they were picked"?

The choice between active and passive voice depends on the context. If the actor is important, use the active voice (e.g., "The judges picked them"). If the action is more important, or the actor is unknown, the passive voice ("they were picked") is appropriate.

What is the difference between "they were picked" and "they were chosen"?

While both phrases mean that a selection was made, "they were picked" can sometimes imply a less formal or more casual selection process compared to "they were chosen", which often suggests a more deliberate or official decision.