PICK OUT

National Parks

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'pick out' means to select or identify something or someone from a group or collection, usually by seeing or recognizing them.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'pick out' means to select or identify something or someone from a group or collection, usually by seeing or recognizing them.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
Yes
The object can come between 'pick' and 'out' or after 'out'.
Register
Neutral
Can be used in both formal and informal contexts without changing meaning.
Transitive
Yes
Requires a direct object to function correctly.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple pick out She can easily pick out her keys from the pile.
Past Simple picked out He picked out the wrong item when shopping yesterday.
Present Continuous picking out They are picking out dresses for the wedding.
Present Perfect have picked out We have picked out the perfect spot for our picnic.

💡 When to Use

Choosing items or people
Use when you need to specify selection from a group or variety of items or people.
Example: "She picked out the best apples from the basket."
Identifying differences
Apply when distinguishing between similar items or individuals.
Example: "Can you pick out the twins in the crowd?"
Spotting specific details
Use this to describe noticing distinct features that others might miss.
Example: "He can pick out grammatical errors swiftly."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect object placement
❌ Wrong: Pick out them from the lineup.
✅ Correct: Pick them out from the lineup.
💡 Tip: Ensure the object comes between or after the phrasal parts.
Using with intransitive verbs
❌ Wrong: He pick out quickly.
✅ Correct: He picks out quickly.
💡 Tip: Remember it requires an object to be grammatically correct.
Misusing with objective pronouns
❌ Wrong: Pick out she from the crowd.
✅ Correct: Pick her out from the crowd.
💡 Tip: Use the correct object form when inserting pronouns.
Practice

PICK OUT - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

select choose

Antonyms

ignore

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"She was able to ___ the faulty wire from the bundle."

pick in
pick out
pick off
pick down

"In the grand puzzle of life, it's crucial to pick out the pieces that create harmony and impart wisdom along the journey."

In Context

In the year 1803, the renowned scientist John Dalton was engrossed in studying color blindness, a condition he personally suffered from. Dalton had a keen ability to pick out even the subtlest variations in color through scientific means, although his own vision impaired his natural ability. As he conducted experiments, he gathered numerous subjects who exhibited similar symptoms. By observing them closely, Dalton was able to pick out specific cases that led to groundbreaking insights. During his time lecturing at the Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society, Dalton shared these findings. He stated that he could not pick out red from green, a revelation that later became known as Daltonism. His meticulous research allowed him to pick out patterns and connections that others had missed, elevating his work to revolutionary status. In 1844, Dalton passed away, but he had already sewn a legacy that would continue to influence scientific studies. His dedication to picking out anomalies in vision strengthened the understanding of color blindness, impacting how the condition was viewed and treated throughout history.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Pick Out

What is the origin of pick out?

+
The phrasal verb 'pick out' comes from the Middle English word 'piken,' meaning to peck or choose. It evolved in its modern form during the 16th century as people started combining 'pick' with various prepositions to create specific meanings.

Can pick out be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
Yes, 'pick out' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings. It maintains the same meaning regardless of the context, which makes it a neutral expression suitable for varied conversational and writing styles.

What is the difference between pick out and select?

+
While 'pick out' and 'select' both mean to choose, 'pick out' often connotes a more casual or immediate decision. In contrast, 'select' implies a more deliberate and considered choice, typically used in formal contexts or when emphasizing discernment.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

check outlook intoget intobring backstart off
Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs
National Parks Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



0%
Scroll to Top