to be pick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be pick" is not correct in English.
Did you mean "to be picked"? If this is the case, you can use it when referring to being chosen or selected for something, such as a team or an opportunity. Example: "I hope to be picked for the basketball team this year."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Range is said to be – pick a number – 500 miles.

The New York Times

When I did, I was immediately appalled by what appeared to be "pick on a powerful black woman" Tuesday.

Huffington Post

"There are some [patients]…they're very much set in the old way, 'Well you're the expert, tell me what to do.' And so you've got to be – pick and choose a little bit" (PT3).

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

You don't want to be picked.

The New York Times

Flu season appears to be picking up.

The New York Times

To be picked is an absolute honour".

The Guardian - Sport

Warner is a certainty to be picked.

The Guardian - Sport

''So, Gill asks to be picked up.

The New York Times - Magazine

Competition to be picked as a hostess can be fierce.

Independent

By Halloween, the Satsumas are ready to be picked.

The New York Times - Magazine

Waiting to be picked, like something off a shelf.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the correct past participle form, which is "picked", instead of "pick" after "to be". For example, use "to be picked" to convey the meaning of being chosen.

Common error

Avoid using the base form of the verb ("pick") after auxiliary verbs like "to be". The correct form is the past participle ("picked") in passive constructions. Using "to be pick" is a common grammatical error.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be pick" is intended to function as part of a passive construction, but it fails due to incorrect verb form. Ludwig AI indicates that "to be pick" is not correct English. The correct form would be "to be picked" to express the state of being chosen.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be pick" is grammatically incorrect; the correct form is "to be picked". Ludwig AI confirms this. While some instances appear in news and scientific sources, the incorrect grammar lowers its acceptability in formal contexts. Consider using alternatives like "to be selected" or "to be chosen". Pay close attention to using the past participle form to ensure grammatical correctness when expressing passive voice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be selected

Indicates a more formal and grammatically correct alternative emphasizing the act of being chosen.

to be chosen

A straightforward substitute highlighting the action of being picked out from a group.

to be picked up

Suggests retrieval or collection, often in a literal sense but can also apply to abstract concepts.

to be gaining momentum

Implies an increase in activity or popularity, focusing on the upward trend.

to be on the rise

Highlights the upward direction or progress, similar to gaining momentum.

to be improving

Focuses on the enhancement or betterment, suggesting a positive change.

to be getting better

An informal way of indicating improvement, focusing on positive development.

to be escalating

Implies a rapid increase or intensification, often in a problematic context.

to be intensifying

Similar to escalating, but can apply to both positive and negative situations.

to be heating up

An idiomatic expression suggesting increasing activity or excitement, often in a competitive environment.

FAQs

What is the correct form, "to be pick" or "to be picked"?

The correct form is "to be picked". "To be pick" is grammatically incorrect. You should use the past participle "picked" after "to be" to indicate a passive voice.

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

You can use "to be picked" to describe the state of being chosen or selected. For example: "I hope "to be picked" for the team".

What are some alternatives to "to be pick"?

Since "to be pick" is grammatically incorrect, use alternatives like "to be selected" or "to be chosen". These options accurately convey the intended meaning.

Is "to be pick" ever correct in English?

No, "to be pick" is not considered correct in standard English. The correct form is always "to be picked" when referring to the passive action of being chosen.