when picking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when picking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing choices or selections being made. Example: "When picking a restaurant for dinner, consider the preferences of everyone in the group."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

DealBook »   When Picking a C.E.O.

The New York Times

Just apply good taste when picking substitutes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He suggests - sight, touch and smell - when picking your tree.

Cornell University

And what should one say when picking up the receiver?

The Economist

Cameron expressed surprise when picking up his best director award.

The Guardian - Film

Above all, remember to bend from your knees when picking up your pack.

Harvard University

Students must present their MIT ID to the cashier when picking up box meals.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

With 435 labeling programs globally, companies need to be smart when picking one for their products.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The engineer has to address potential problems such as corrosion or scale deposits when picking the proper equipment.

Coal Bed Methane From Prospect to Pipeline

Do not get bamboozled by Murray State's super record when picking dark horses.

The New York Times

I now can make a more educated decision when picking a snack.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "when picking", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being chosen and the criteria for selection. For instance: "When picking a restaurant, consider the ambiance and menu."

Common error

Avoid vagueness. Do not use "when picking" without specifying what factors should influence the choice. For example, instead of saying "When picking, be careful", specify "When picking stocks, research market trends."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when picking" functions as an adverbial phrase, specifically a relative clause. It modifies a verb by indicating the timing or circumstances under which an action should be performed. As Ludwig indicates, this is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

23%

News & Media

23%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "when picking" serves as a versatile relative clause, commonly employed to introduce advice or considerations related to a selection process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound and frequently used expression across various writing styles. While it appears most often in wikis and news media, its adaptability makes it suitable for numerous contexts. Remember to provide clear context regarding the selection criteria to avoid vagueness. For more formal settings, consider alternatives such as "during selection" or "upon choosing". By following these guidelines, you can effectively use the phrase "when picking" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

while selecting

Replaces "when picking" with a continuous action of selecting, emphasizing the duration of the choice.

during selection

Emphasizes the selection process itself rather than the act of picking.

upon choosing

Highlights the moment of choice or decision.

in the process of selecting

More explicitly describes the act of selecting, adding a sense of formality.

as you choose

Shifts the focus to the individual making the choice.

while opting for

Implies a deliberate choice between alternatives.

in selecting

A more concise alternative emphasizing the act of selecting.

when opting

Similar to "upon choosing" but focuses on the act of opting or deciding.

as you are picking

A longer form that emphasizes the active and continuous nature of picking.

deciding on

Focuses on the final decision made after a period of consideration.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "when picking" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "during selection", "upon choosing", or "in the process of selecting".

Is it always necessary to specify what is being chosen after "when picking"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the object of choice clarifies your meaning and makes your writing more precise. For example, instead of "When picking, be careful", say "When picking apples, be careful not to bruise the fruit".

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using the phrase "when picking"?

A common mistake is using "when picking" without providing enough context. Ensure your audience understands the criteria or considerations relevant to the selection process. Avoid ambiguity by clearly stating what is being chosen and why.

How does "when picking" differ in meaning from "while selecting"?

"When picking" and "while selecting" are often interchangeable, but "while selecting" emphasizes the continuous nature of the selection process, whereas "when picking" can refer to a single act of choosing at a specific time.