# pick out

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pick-out
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

You use this when you choose one thing from a group. It also means to find and recognize someone or something in a crowd.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I picked out it." but "I picked it out." — Pronoun objects must be placed between the verb and the particle.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.