were picked over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were picked over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where items or options have been selected or chosen from a larger group, often implying that the best or most desirable ones have already been taken. Example: "The best fruits were picked over by the time I arrived at the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But literature is filled with writing couples for whom there was misfortune aplenty, at least as their marriages and lives were picked over by biographers.

The New York Times - Books

Yes, the season is waning, but Ms. Peterson planned to bide her time, having observed that while some racks were picked over, there were plenty of bargains worth chasing.

The New York Times

However, only Communist soldiers were allowed to crew Soviet tanks, and as a result the pool of soldiers to recruit from was narrow and often less adept drivers were picked over better ones, due to their political ideologies.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Americans were picking over the technological remains of German industry.

The New Yorker

Most were picking over a lavish dinner that included rack of lamb and creme brulee.

The New York Times

Most were picking over a lavish dinner that included rack of lamb and crème brûlée.

The New York Times

In the Jacksons Arms pub in Hartlepool late on Friday night, some local people were picking over the bones of the campaign.

The Guardian

"But often they look like they've been picked over".

The New York Times - Health

Other industries besides energy are being picked over, too.

The New York Times

"The wreckage has been picked over, it's been trashed, it's been trampled".

The Guardian

Piles of used clothes are being picked over as people prepare for winter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were picked over" to describe situations where a selection process has occurred, and the best options have likely been chosen already. This is appropriate for describing inventory, ideas, or even personnel.

Common error

Avoid using "were picked over" when you simply mean 'selected'. This phrase carries the connotation that the best options are gone, and only less desirable choices remain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were picked over" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject has undergone a selection process by an external actor. Ludwig AI shows examples where this selection often implies depletion of the best options.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were picked over" is a grammatically correct passive verb phrase used to describe a selection process, often implying that the best options have already been chosen. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While not extremely frequent, its consistent usage and neutral register make it a valuable addition to descriptive writing. When using the phrase, be mindful of its connotation of scarcity and avoid using it as a simple substitute for 'selected'.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were thoroughly examined

Focuses on the detailed inspection aspect rather than the selection from a group.

were carefully selected

Highlights the careful choice involved, omitting the implication of a pre-existing group.

were chosen selectively

Emphasizes the selective nature of the choice, less about the depletion of options.

were thoroughly vetted

Implies a vetting or approval process, adding a layer of scrutiny not present in the original phrase.

had been cherry-picked

Specifically highlights the act of selecting the best or most desirable items.

had been scavenged

Conveys a more desperate or opportunistic selection, often from discarded items.

were culled through

Suggests a more active and directed process of removing unwanted items.

were sifted through

Indicates a process of filtering and separating items.

were already taken

Focuses on the result that the best options are no longer available.

were assessed exhaustively

Highlights the assessment's comprehensiveness, downplaying the selection aspect.

FAQs

What does "were picked over" mean?

The phrase "were picked over" means that items or options have been selected or chosen from a larger group, often implying that the best or most desirable ones have already been taken.

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

You might say, "The best items in the store "were picked over" by early shoppers", indicating that the prime selections are gone.

What is a synonym for "were picked over"?

Synonyms include "were carefully selected", "were thoroughly examined", or "had been scavenged", depending on the context.

Is "were picked over" formal or informal?

The phrase "were picked over" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more common in journalistic or descriptive writing.