Phrasal verb
pick on
Definition
phrasal verb. to treat someone unfairly by criticizing them or teasing them many times. You use this when someone is being mean to a person who is weaker or different.
phrasal verb. to single out a person for repeated criticism, harassment, or unfair treatment. The verb is transitive and typically targets a person perceived as more vulnerable.
Examples
“The older kids used to pick on him at school.”
“It felt like the manager was picking on her because she was the only one who got extra work.”
“Sociological studies suggest that individuals perceived as outliers within a group are more likely to be picked on by those seeking to enforce social hierarchies.”
Examples
simple
“The older kids used to pick on him at school.”
contextual
“It felt like the manager was picking on her because she was the only one who got extra work.”
complex
“Sociological studies suggest that individuals perceived as outliers within a group are more likely to be picked on by those seeking to enforce social hierarchies.”
Usage
The phrase is always followed by an object, which is usually a person or a specific group.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'bully' (more severe) and 'tease' (can be friendly); 'pick on' implies a repetitive, unfair focus on one person.
Pitfall
He always picks on to his younger sister.
He always picks on his younger sister.
The phrasal verb 'pick on' takes an object directly; do not add the preposition 'to' after the particle.
Phrasal verb
Particles
on
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
pick + on + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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