we picked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we picked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a selection or choice made by a group of people, typically in a past context. Example: "After much discussion, we picked the best candidate for the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We picked two people.

The New York Times

(We picked the beef).

The New York Times

No, we picked you.

The New York Times

"We picked it up".

The New York Times

Finally, we picked Simon.

The New York Times

We picked the right man.

Independent

We picked up the pace.

The New York Times

We picked our favourite weakman.

The Economist

We picked up seats".

The New York Times

We picked herbs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We picked people who are open-minded.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we picked" when you want to convey a sense of directness and simplicity in describing a selection process.

Common error

In formal or academic writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "we selected" or "we chose" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we picked" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating a past action of selecting or choosing. As shown by Ludwig, it expresses a completed action of making a choice among available options. The phrase "we picked" is grammatically correct and usable in written English according to Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we picked" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a past action of selecting or choosing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for a wide range of contexts, although more formal options like "we selected" might be preferred in academic or professional settings. Its widespread usage across news, media, and general communication makes it a reliable and easily understood phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we selected

Replaces "picked" with a more formal synonym, implying a deliberate and careful choice.

we chose

A common alternative to "picked", suggesting a decision between multiple options.

we opted for

Emphasizes the act of choosing one option over others, often implying a preference.

we decided on

Highlights the decision-making process that led to the selection.

we went with

An informal way of saying "we chose", suggesting a less formal decision.

we favored

Implies a preference or bias towards the chosen option.

we designated

Suggests an official or formal assignment of something or someone.

we handpicked

Implies a careful and selective choice, often with a focus on quality or suitability.

we settled on

Suggests that the choice was made after considering other options, possibly implying a compromise.

we determined

Indicates that the selection was the result of a careful evaluation or investigation.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "we picked"?

You can use alternatives like "we chose", "we selected", or "we opted for" depending on the context.

How to use "we picked" in a sentence?

The phrase "we picked" is followed by the object of the selection, for example: "We picked the best candidate" or "We picked apples in the fall."

Is "we picked" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "we picked" is more informal. For formal writing, consider alternatives such as "we selected" or "we chose".

What's the difference between "we picked" and "we chose"?

"We picked" and "we chose" are often interchangeable, but "we picked" can sometimes imply a more casual or immediate selection compared to the slightly more deliberate "we chose".