picked
The term “picked,” a versatile lexeme operating both as a past tense/past participle verb and an adjective, denotes the act of selective extraction or designation from a larger set. As a verb, it frequently refers to the deliberate choice of an item or individual, or the collection of natural produce, such as harvesting crops. When functioning as an adjective, “picked” describes the resultant state of something having undergone this selection or gathering process. Its contextual interpretation is contingent upon syntactic role and surrounding discourse. Thus, “picked” encapsulates both the action of choosing/gathering and the characteristic of being chosen/gathered.
Gramática essencial
When 'picked' is used as the past tense of the verb 'to pick,' it describes an action that has already happened.
She picked the ripest apple from the tree.
When 'picked' is used as the past participle, it often forms part of perfect tenses (present perfect, past perfect, future perfect) or the passive voice.
The flowers had been picked just an hour before the guests arrived.
As an adjective, 'picked' can describe an item that has been selected or harvested.
These picked berries are perfect for making jam.
When 'picked' is used in the passive voice, it indicates that the subject of the sentence is receiving the action of picking.
The team was picked by the coach based on their performance.
In certain idiomatic expressions, 'picked' can have specific meanings, such as 'picked clean' (meaning thoroughly cleaned) or 'picked apart' (meaning critically analyzed).
The critics picked the movie apart for its weak plot.
Exemplos por nível
She carefully picked out her outfit for the interview, hoping to make a good impression.
Ella eligió cuidadosamente su atuendo para la entrevista, esperando causar una buena impresión.
Here 'picked out' is a phrasal verb meaning to choose carefully from a group.
The committee picked him as the new leader due to his extensive experience and strong leadership skills.
El comité lo eligió como el nuevo líder debido a su amplia experiencia y sólidas habilidades de liderazgo.
'Picked' is used here as a past tense verb, indicating selection.
We spent the afternoon in the orchard, picking ripe apples directly from the trees.
Pasamos la tarde en el huerto, recogiendo manzanas maduras directamente de los árboles.
'Picking' is a present participle, describing the action of harvesting.
The detective picked through the evidence, looking for any clue that might lead him to the culprit.
El detective revisó cuidadosamente la evidencia, buscando cualquier pista que pudiera llevarlo al culpable.
'Picked through' is a phrasal verb meaning to examine items in a group carefully.
Her picked flowers adorned the dining table, adding a touch of freshness to the room.
Sus flores recién cortadas adornaban la mesa del comedor, añadiendo un toque de frescura a la habitación.
'Picked' is used as an adjective here, describing the flowers as having been gathered.
Despite the tough competition, she was picked for the lead role in the school play.
A pesar de la dura competencia, ella fue elegida para el papel principal en la obra escolar.
This sentence uses the passive voice, 'was picked', to show that she was selected.
The artist picked up his brushes and started to paint the vibrant landscape before him.
El artista tomó sus pinceles y comenzó a pintar el vibrante paisaje frente a él.
'Picked up' is a phrasal verb meaning to lift or take hold of something.
He picked a fight with his brother over a trivial matter, leading to a heated argument.
Él provocó una pelea con su hermano por un asunto trivial, lo que llevó a una acalorada discusión.
'Picked a fight' is an idiom meaning to intentionally start an argument or confrontation.
Colocações comuns
Frases Comuns
He picked up the phone.
Él cogió el teléfono.
She picked out a dress for the party.
Ella escogió un vestido para la fiesta.
Don't pick a fight with him.
No busques una pelea con él.
The thief picked the lock easily.
El ladrón forzó la cerradura fácilmente.
I picked a winner in the lottery!
¡Elegí un ganador en la lotería!
The bones were picked clean by the animals.
Los huesos fueron roídos por los animales.
She just picked at her food, not eating much.
Ella solo picoteaba su comida, sin comer mucho.
The team was carefully picked for the mission.
El equipo fue cuidadosamente seleccionado para la misión.
We enjoyed freshly picked berries from the garden.
Disfrutamos de bayas recién recogidas del jardín.
He is a hand-picked leader for the company.
Él es un líder seleccionado a mano para la empresa.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasWhile both mean to select, 'picked' often implies a more casual or informal selection, sometimes even a physical act of taking something. 'Chosen' can suggest a more deliberate, formal, or significant decision. For example, you might 'pick a card' but 'choose a career'.
Yes, absolutely! You can say 'I picked a new outfit' or 'She picked her best friend to be her bridesmaid.' It works for both.
As an adjective, 'picked' describes something that has been selected or gathered. For example, 'These are hand-picked apples,' meaning someone gathered them by hand. Or, 'He's a picked player for the team,' meaning he was selected.
Not always! It can be the past tense of 'pick' (e.g., 'Yesterday, I picked flowers'). It can also be a past participle used in perfect tenses (e.g., 'I have picked all the apples') or as an adjective, as we just discussed.
Certainly! 'We went to the orchard and picked a big basket of fresh berries.'
A very common one is 'picked apart.' This means to criticize something in detail, often finding many small faults. For instance, 'The critics picked the movie apart.'
It can, depending on the context. For example, if someone says 'He was picked on by the bullies,' it means he was singled out for harassment or unkind treatment. But in most other contexts, it's neutral or positive.
Yes, it can. The phrase 'pocket picked' means someone had their pocket stolen from. For instance, 'My wallet was picked in the crowded market.'
Generally, 'picked' is quite versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It's a common, everyday word.
When referring to locks, 'picked' means to open a lock without a key, usually by using special tools. For example, 'The burglar picked the lock to get into the house.'
Teste-se 30 perguntas
This sentence describes a simple action of picking a flower.
This sentence describes picking up an object.
This sentence describes the action of harvesting fruit.
My mom ___ some fresh flowers from the garden.
'Picked' means to gather something like flowers.
Which sentence uses 'picked' correctly to mean 'chosen'?
To 'pick' an apple means to choose it.
The team captain ___ the best players for the game.
To 'pick' players means to select them.
If you 'picked' a present, it means you opened it.
To 'pick' a present means to choose it, not to open it.
When you 'picked' berries, you gathered them.
'Picked' means to gather or harvest.
A 'picked' shirt is a shirt that you have washed.
A 'picked' shirt means a shirt that has been chosen, not washed.
The detective meticulously _____ through the evidence, hoping to find a crucial clue.
In this context, 'picked through' means to carefully examine or sort through something, which fits the detective's action with the evidence.
After much deliberation, she _____ a career in astrophysics, driven by her passion for the cosmos.
'Picked' is used here to mean 'chose' or 'selected' a career path.
The freshly _____ berries were sweet and juicy, perfect for making a summer pie.
When referring to fruits or flowers, 'picked' means they have been gathered or harvested.
If someone 'picked a fight,' it means they carefully selected an argument to resolve peacefully.
To 'pick a fight' means to intentionally start an argument or conflict, not to resolve one peacefully.
When a guitarist 'picks' a melody, they are plucking the strings with their fingers or a plectrum.
In music, 'picking' refers to the action of playing individual notes on a stringed instrument by plucking the strings.
A 'picked lock' indicates that the lock has been opened using the correct key.
A 'picked lock' means the lock has been opened by manipulating its internal mechanisms, usually without the proper key.
Write a paragraph describing a difficult decision you once made, using the word 'picked' to refer to your final choice. Elaborate on the factors that influenced your decision.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Choosing my university major was one of the most challenging decisions I've ever faced. After months of contemplation and weighing the pros and cons of various fields, I finally picked computer science. The primary factors that influenced this choice were my burgeoning interest in technology, the promising career prospects, and the encouragement from my mentor. It wasn't an easy decision, as I also had a strong inclination towards humanities, but I ultimately felt that computer science aligned better with my long-term aspirations and problem-solving nature.
Imagine you are a detective investigating a crime scene. Write a short report detailing what evidence you 'picked' up and what conclusions you initially drew from each piece of evidence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Upon arrival at the crime scene, I carefully picked up a small, ornate silver locket from beneath the overturned table. Its delicate craftsmanship suggested a personal connection to the victim or perpetrator. Nearby, I also picked up a single, muddy footprint, distinct from the others, indicating a potential struggle or hasty exit. From these initial observations, I concluded that the locket could be a crucial clue to identifying either party involved, and the unique footprint might lead us to a specific individual.
Describe a scenario where someone 'picked' a fight, detailing the events leading up to it and the immediate aftermath. Focus on the nuances of the situation.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
The tension had been building all evening, a simmering resentment between the two rival team captains. It was during the post-game handshake, an ostensibly polite gesture, that Mark, with a barely perceptible sneer, picked a fight with Liam. He squeezed Liam's hand a fraction too hard, held on a moment too long, and whispered a veiled insult about the integrity of Liam's team. The immediate aftermath was a stunned silence, broken quickly by angry shouts and the intervention of coaches, but the damage was done; the rivalry had escalated to a new, personal level.
What did Sarah specifically pick out in the marketplace?
Read this passage:
In the bustling marketplace, vendors loudly touted their wares, hoping to catch the attention of passersby. Among the vibrant stalls, Sarah meticulously examined a collection of antique jewelry. Her discerning eye quickly picked out a particularly delicate silver brooch, its intricate filigree work whispering tales of a bygone era. She knew, with a certainty that transcended mere aesthetic appeal, that she had found a true treasure.
What did Sarah specifically pick out in the marketplace?
The passage states, 'Her discerning eye quickly picked out a particularly delicate silver brooch.'
The passage states, 'Her discerning eye quickly picked out a particularly delicate silver brooch.'
What was the significance of Dr. Evans picking the alpine flora?
Read this passage:
The expedition team, exhausted but exhilarated, finally reached the summit. From their vantage point, the panorama of snow-capped peaks and winding valleys unfolded beneath them. Dr. Evans, the lead botanist, carefully picked a rare specimen of alpine flora, its vibrant purple petals standing in stark contrast to the stark grey rock. This discovery, he knew, would be crucial for his research.
What was the significance of Dr. Evans picking the alpine flora?
The passage explicitly states, 'This discovery, he knew, would be crucial for his research.'
The passage explicitly states, 'This discovery, he knew, would be crucial for his research.'
Why did the carpenter pick the aged oak plank?
Read this passage:
The old carpenter, with calloused hands and a keen sense of craftsmanship, surveyed the various planks of wood. He needed a piece that was both sturdy and aesthetically pleasing for the centerpiece of his new project. After a moment of thoughtful consideration, he picked a plank of aged oak, its rich grain promising durability and beauty. He envisioned the magnificent table it would become.
Why did the carpenter pick the aged oak plank?
The passage states, 'he picked a plank of aged oak, its rich grain promising durability and beauty.'
The passage states, 'he picked a plank of aged oak, its rich grain promising durability and beauty.'
The detective meticulously ___ through the cryptic clues, hoping to unearth the truth behind the perplexing disappearance.
In this context, 'picked' implies a careful and deliberate selection or extraction of specific clues from a larger, more complex set, which aligns with the idea of a detective meticulously examining evidence.
Despite the myriad of qualified candidates, the CEO ___ the relatively unknown newcomer, a decision that initially bewildered the board.
Here, 'picked' suggests a specific, perhaps even surprising, choice from a group, highlighting the individual selection of the newcomer amidst other qualified individuals.
The renowned art critic meticulously ___ out the subtle nuances in the painting, revealing layers of meaning that most viewers would have overlooked.
'Picked out' in this sentence implies a careful and precise selection or identification of specific details or nuances from a broader context, aligning with the critic's discerning eye.
After years of meticulous research, the scientist finally ___ upon a revolutionary discovery that promised to reshape our understanding of the universe.
'Picked upon' in this advanced context suggests a deliberate and successful selection or identification of a particular discovery after extensive effort.
The seasoned politician, known for his shrewd tactics, carefully ___ his words to avoid any potential misinterpretations that could jeopardize his campaign.
'Picked' in this instance emphasizes the careful and deliberate selection of individual words, highlighting the politician's precision in communication.
The architect had a keen eye for detail, and every material, from the imported marble to the hand-blown glass, was meticulously ___ for its aesthetic appeal and durability.
'Picked' here conveys the idea of a careful, individual selection of each element for a specific purpose, underscoring the architect's discerning taste.
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