Phrasal verb
pick out
Definition
phrasal verb. You use this when you choose one thing from a group. It also means to find and recognize someone or something in a crowd.
phrasal verb. To select a specific item or person from a collection; to identify a particular entity within a group or environment. The verb is transitive and allows for optional separation of the particle.
Examples
“Can you help me pick out a shirt for the party?”
“The victim was asked to pick out her attacker from a police lineup of six similar-looking men.”
“Experienced birdwatchers can often pick out rare species from a distance simply by observing the unique way they move their wings.”
Examples
simple
“Can you help me pick out a shirt for the party?”
contextual
“The victim was asked to pick out her attacker from a police lineup of six similar-looking men.”
complex
“Experienced birdwatchers can often pick out rare species from a distance simply by observing the unique way they move their wings.”
Usage
When the object is a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', you must put it between 'pick' and 'out'.
Teaching tip
Contrast this with 'choose' to show that 'pick out' often involves a visual search or identifying something specific from a messy pile.
Pitfall
I picked out it.
I picked it out.
Pronoun objects must be placed between the verb and the particle.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out
Separability
optional
Pattern
pick + out + 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 C1.550–784EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Grade 2
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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