weeded out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weeded out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the process of eliminating or removing unwanted elements from a group or selection. Example: "After reviewing all the applications, we weeded out the candidates who did not meet the qualifications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ms. Rosalia weeded out hundreds of titles.

The New York Times - Books

Work One, a state employment agency, weeded out unsuitable applicants.

The Economist

They also weeded out owners having trouble paying other bills.

The New York Times

"Unsafe companies are quickly weeded out," he said.

The Guardian

Bogus asylum seekers must be weeded out and returned.

The Guardian

The inefficient are weeded out and flung downward".

The Guardian - Books

This corruption cannot be weeded out in a short time".

The Guardian

Tough times have weeded out all but the most passionate.

The New York Times

Indeed, selfishness was actually weeded out by evolution.

The Guardian - Opinion

The IOC claims this shows that the cheats are being weeded out before the games begin.

The Economist

They're weeded out by the time you get to be a professional".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "weeded out", ensure the context clearly indicates what criteria were used for the removal and why those criteria are important. Specificity adds clarity and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "weeded out" in overly casual or informal settings, as it can sound overly harsh or clinical. Opt for more gentle alternatives like "removed" or "excluded" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weeded out" functions as a phrasal verb, specifically a transitive one when followed by an object. It describes the action of selectively removing or eliminating unwanted elements from a larger group. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "weeded out" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression for describing a selective process of elimination. As supported by Ludwig AI and the numerous examples found across reputable sources, it conveys the idea of refining a group by removing unwanted or less qualified elements. While appropriate for various contexts, it's particularly common in news, scientific, and business writing. When using "weeded out", consider the tone and ensure the criteria for removal are clear to maintain clarity and impact. Alternatives such as "eliminated", "removed", and "filtered out" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eliminated

Focuses on a complete removal, often due to unsuitability or deficiency.

filtered out

Implies a sifting process, where some things pass through while others are blocked.

screened out

Suggests a careful examination to identify and reject unwanted elements.

removed

A general term for taking something away, lacking the specific connotation of undesirability.

sifted out

Emphasizes a process of careful examination and separation.

culled

Implies selective removal to improve the overall quality of a group.

rejected

A direct refusal or non-acceptance, often after evaluation.

excluded

Indicates a deliberate act of preventing something from being included.

purged

Indicates a thorough and often forceful removal of undesirable elements.

winnowed

Suggests separating valuable elements from the less desirable ones, similar to separating grain from chaff.

FAQs

How can I use "weeded out" in a sentence?

You can use "weeded out" to describe a process of elimination, such as "The company "weeded out" unqualified applicants" or "Natural selection "weeded out" harmful mutations".

What are some alternatives to "weeded out"?

Some alternatives include "eliminated", "removed", "filtered out", and "screened out". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to say something was "weeded out"?

When something is "weeded out", it means it has been removed from a group or selection because it was considered undesirable, unsuitable, or of lower quality than the remaining items. This is similar to how a gardener removes weeds from a garden.

Is "weeded out" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "weeded out" can be appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing a selective process. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing; in some cases, a more neutral term like "removed" or "excluded" might be preferable.