top picks

USAGE SUMMARY

"top picks" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to items or choices that have been specifically chosen as the best or most desirable from among a larger selection. For example, "We narrowed down our vacation destination choices to five top picks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here are our top picks.

The New York Times

It's one of our top picks.

The New York Times

Here are the top picks.

The Guardian - Books

Below are top picks organized by age.

The New York Times

— are expected to be top picks.

The New Yorker

T grazes through their top picks.

The New York Times - Style

Here are my top picks for best time-wasting apps.

The New York Times - Tech

Here are our top picks from the exhibition.

The Guardian - Arts

So without further ado, here are their top picks.

The Guardian

Fish were the top picks at entree time.

The New York Times

These are our top picks for the weekend of May 25 27.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When compiling a list of "top picks", provide clear criteria for why these choices were selected. This adds credibility and context.

Common error

Avoid using "top picks" loosely. Ensure that the selections are genuinely superior or more suitable for a specific purpose. Otherwise, consider using alternatives like "recommended" or "notable".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "top picks" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object, referring to a curated list of recommended items or choices. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "top picks" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to a selection of highly recommended items or choices. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance across diverse contexts, especially in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. When using "top picks", it's best practice to clearly define the criteria used for selection. Alternatives such as "best choices" or "recommended items" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

best choices

Focuses on the selection being the absolute best among alternatives.

preferred selections

Highlights the act of choosing and liking certain options over others.

finest choices

Highlights the superior quality of the options selected.

recommended items

Implies endorsement and suggestion of particular products or services.

superior options

Indicates that these selections are better than average.

leading candidates

Suitable when referring to individuals or options that are most likely to succeed.

prime options

Emphasizes the quality and suitability of the choices.

handpicked selections

Implies careful and deliberate selection of items.

elite selections

Highlights the exclusivity and high quality of the choices.

cream of the crop

An idiomatic expression indicating the best of a group.

FAQs

How can I use "top picks" in a sentence?

You can use "top picks" to refer to a curated list of recommended items or choices, as in, "Here are our "top picks" for the best summer reads."

What are some alternatives to using "top picks"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "best choices", "preferred selections", or "recommended items".

Is it appropriate to use "top picks" in formal writing?

Yes, "top picks" can be used in formal writing, particularly when presenting a selection of highly recommended items or options. However, consider the tone of your writing and whether a more formal alternative might be more appropriate, such as "leading candidates".

What makes something a "top pick"?

A "top pick" is generally selected based on specific criteria such as quality, suitability, performance, or popularity. The criteria should be clearly defined when presenting a list of "top picks" to provide context and justification for the selections.