pick out
يختار
字面意思: To pluck/select outward
Use 'pick out' when you are selecting one specific thing from many available options.
15秒了解
- Choosing one specific item from a group or collection.
- Commonly used for shopping, identifying people, or selecting gifts.
- A separable phrasal verb: pick out something or pick something out.
意思
When you 'pick out' something, you are choosing one specific person or thing from a larger group or a pile. It usually means you are looking carefully to find the best one or the one you like most.
关键例句
3 / 6Shopping for clothes
I need to pick out a suit for the wedding next week.
I need to choose a suit for the wedding next week.
Looking at old photos
Can you pick out your grandfather in this old school photo?
Can you identify your grandfather in this old school photo?
In a formal meeting
We need to pick out the most relevant data points for the presentation.
We need to select the most relevant data points for the presentation.
文化背景
The phrase reflects a society built on variety and selection. It became especially common with the rise of department stores in the 20th century, where 'picking out' an outfit became a social activity. In the US, it is also heavily associated with the 'police lineup' trope in crime dramas.
The Pronoun Rule
If you use 'it' or 'them', always put it in the middle: 'Pick it out', never 'Pick out it'.
Don't confuse with 'Pick on'
To 'pick on' someone means to bully them. Make sure you include the 'out' when you mean choosing!
15秒了解
- Choosing one specific item from a group or collection.
- Commonly used for shopping, identifying people, or selecting gifts.
- A separable phrasal verb: pick out something or pick something out.
What It Means
Imagine you are standing in front of a giant wall of candy. You don't want all of it. You want that one specific blue gummy bear. When you reach in and grab it, you pick out that candy. It is all about selection. You are separating one item from many others. It implies you are making a choice based on your preference or a specific need.
How To Use It
This phrase is a 'separable' phrasal verb. That is a fancy way of saying you can put the object in the middle. You can say pick out a dress or pick a dress out. Both are perfect. Use it when there are options. If you are at a store with fifty shirts, you pick out the red one. If you are identifying a suspect in a lineup (like in a movie), you pick out the bad guy. It is very visual. You are literally or figuratively pulling something 'out' of a group.
When To Use It
Use this when you are shopping, definitely. It is the king of shopping phrases. Use it when you are choosing a movie to watch with friends. Use it when you are identifying someone in a crowded photo. It works well when the choice takes a little bit of thought. You wouldn't usually pick out a breath of air, but you would pick out a gift for your mom’s birthday.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if there is only one option. If someone hands you a coffee, you just 'take' it. You don't pick it out because there was no choice involved. Also, avoid using it for deep, life-changing decisions like 'picking out' a religion or a soulmate. For those, we usually just use choose or decide on. Pick out feels a bit more physical and immediate. Don't confuse it with pick up, which just means lifting something off the floor!
Cultural Background
In Western culture, 'picking out' is tied to the idea of individualism and consumer choice. We love having forty types of cereal so we can pick out our favorite. There is also a famous legal/police culture connection. The 'police lineup' where a witness has to pick out a criminal is a staple of American TV shows. It suggests a moment of high pressure and careful looking.
Common Variations
You might hear people say hand-picked. This means someone took a lot of time to pick out the very best items by hand. Another one is pick of the litter, which refers to the best choice in a group. If you are being very picky, people might say you are cherry-picking. This means you are only picking out the things that support your side and ignoring the rest.
使用说明
The phrase is highly versatile and works in almost any setting. Just remember that it is a separable phrasal verb, so the object can move around.
The Pronoun Rule
If you use 'it' or 'them', always put it in the middle: 'Pick it out', never 'Pick out it'.
Don't confuse with 'Pick on'
To 'pick on' someone means to bully them. Make sure you include the 'out' when you mean choosing!
The 'Lineup' Vibe
In the US, if you say 'I could pick him out of a crowd,' it means you recognize him very easily.
例句
6I need to pick out a suit for the wedding next week.
I need to choose a suit for the wedding next week.
Focuses on the act of selecting from many suits in a store.
Can you pick out your grandfather in this old school photo?
Can you identify your grandfather in this old school photo?
Used here for identification within a group.
We need to pick out the most relevant data points for the presentation.
We need to select the most relevant data points for the presentation.
Professional use regarding selecting information.
I'll let you pick out the restaurant tonight since it's your birthday!
I'll let you choose the restaurant tonight since it's your birthday!
Giving someone the power of choice.
My dog spent ten minutes picking out the perfect stick at the park.
My dog spent ten minutes choosing the perfect stick at the park.
Humorous because sticks are usually all the same to humans.
She spent hours picking out the perfect engagement ring for him.
She spent hours choosing the perfect engagement ring for him.
Shows care and effort in the selection process.
自我测试
Choose the correct form to complete the sentence.
There were so many cakes, it was hard to ___ just one.
'Pick out' is used for choosing from a group, while 'pick up' means lifting and 'pick on' means teasing.
Complete the sentence using the separable form.
I like that tie. Why don't you pick ___ ___?
When using a pronoun like 'it', it must go in the middle of 'pick' and 'out'.
🎉 得分： /2
视觉学习工具
Formality of 'Pick Out'
Used with friends/family
Pick out a movie!
Standard daily English
I picked out some new shoes.
Professional settings
Please pick out the key issues.
Where to use 'Pick Out'
Clothing Store
Picking out a tie
Police Station
Picking out a suspect
Bakery
Picking out a cupcake
Library
Picking out a book
常见问题
10 个问题It means to choose or select one thing or person from a group. For example, I picked out a blue shirt.
Yes, you can use it to identify someone in a group or a photo, like Pick out your brother in this picture.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends or in a business meeting without sounding out of place.
They are very similar, but pick out emphasizes the act of selecting from a specific group or pile.
No, that is a mistake. You must say pick it out when using a pronoun.
Mostly, yes, but pick out often implies a visual search or looking through physical items.
The past tense is picked out. For example, She picked out the best apple in the basket.
Yes, it is used globally across all major English dialects including British and American English.
Yes, informally it can mean to play a tune slowly on an instrument, like picking out a melody on the piano.
Confusing it with pick up. Remember: pick out is choosing, pick up is lifting.
相关表达
Single out (to choose one for special attention)
Select (a more formal version of pick out)
Opt for (to choose one thing instead of another)
Sift through (to look through many things to find one)
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