winnowed

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "winnowed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the process of separating or filtering out unwanted elements from a larger group, often in the context of refining ideas or choices. Example: "After reviewing all the proposals, we winnowed the list down to the top three candidates for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That has fallen hugely, but it is because banks are trying to rebuild equity buffers winnowed by the financial crisis, not because of a lack of competition.

The Economist

But they can also boost the pace of efficiency gains as weak demand forces firms to rethink their products and cost structures and the weakest companies are winnowed out.

The Economist

It also means they are the product of a serial filtering that has winnowed their numbers at school, college and work before they get their MBAs.More than 50 years ago Michael Young warned that the incipient meritocracy to which he had given a name could be as narrow and pernicious, in its way, as aristocracies of old.

The Economist

If even experts cannot pick the winner from the top three when they can see and hear the performances, it suggests that real judges in such competitions might, once they have winnowed out the no-hopers, just as well toss a coin to decide who is actually top.

The Economist

After two hours of raucous banter, the list is winnowed to a dozen.

The Economist

Sir David winnowed the company's sprawling product range, selling businesses such as vending machines, scaffolding and steel, but still leaving GKN with an odd portfolio.

The Economist

The 130 or more parties that want to take part will be winnowed to a more manageable number, and the highest legislative body, the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), will be made more representative by reducing the number of seats allocated to the armed forces.

The Economist

They will thus accumulate without being winnowed out and will eventually be present in overwhelmingly lethal numbers.Since then, what is known as the grandmother hypothesis has become popular.

The Economist

This was exciting but not that exciting.However, each theoretical possibility also predicts a particular pattern of future dips, so that the chaff of apparent dips caused by observational noise can be winnowed from the wheat of real planets by patient watching and waiting.

The Economist

The second is that 35 years have winnowed the technological wheat from the chaff.

The Economist

BLUNT criticism is an essential part of science, for it is how bad ideas are winnowed from good ones.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "winnowed" when you want to emphasize a careful and selective process of removing less desirable elements from a larger set. This can apply to ideas, candidates, or even physical substances.

Common error

Avoid using "winnowed" when a simple "removed" or "deleted" would suffice. "Winnowed" implies a deliberate and thoughtful process of separation, not just elimination.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "winnowed" is as the past participle of the verb 'winnow'. It is often used as an adjective to describe something that has undergone a process of selective removal or separation. Ludwig AI indicates this usage aligns with standard English grammar.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

13%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

4%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "winnowed" functions as the past participle of the verb 'winnow', denoting a process of careful selection and separation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English. It is frequently employed in news and media, encyclopedias, and formal business contexts to indicate that unwanted elements have been thoughtfully removed, resulting in a refined outcome. While synonyms like "filtered out" or "culled" exist, "winnowed" carries a specific connotation of deliberate refinement. Using "winnowed" correctly involves recognizing its nuance and applying it when a careful process of separation is intended, and given its frequency in authoritative sources it is an accessible term for formal and neutral language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

filtered out

Focuses on removing unwanted elements through a filtering process.

sifted through

Implies a careful examination to separate valuable parts from less desirable ones.

weeded out

Specifically suggests removing undesirable or weaker elements, like weeds.

culled

Emphasizes selective removal to improve the overall quality or reduce the number.

sorted

Highlights the act of arranging items into specific categories, often implying a process of separation.

refined

Implies improving something by removing impurities or unwanted elements.

distilled

Suggests extracting the essential elements, often implying a reduction in volume or complexity.

pared down

Indicates reducing something to its essential parts, often by eliminating unnecessary details.

narrowed down

Focuses on reducing the scope or number of options.

selected

Implies a deliberate choice of specific items from a larger group.

FAQs

How can I use "winnowed" in a sentence?

You can use "winnowed" to describe a process where unwanted elements are separated from a group, such as "The candidates were "filtered out" until only the most qualified remained".

What is a synonym for "winnowed"?

Synonyms for "winnowed" include "sifted through", "culled", and "filtered out". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "winnowed" and "eliminated"?

"Winnowed" implies a careful selection process, separating valuable elements from the less desirable ones, while "eliminated" simply means removed. "The weak arguments were "weeded out"" suggests a more discerning approach than "The arguments were eliminated".

Is it appropriate to use "winnowed" in formal writing?

Yes, "winnowed" is appropriate for formal writing. It conveys a sense of precision and careful selection, making it suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts.