I pick them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I pick them" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a group of people or things. For example: "We had three desserts to choose from, and I pick them all!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"I pick them by the sound of the names," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

There are weights on the table beside her television and before she arrives, I pick them up - or rather, don't.

The Guardian

And the loser is: John Benjamin Hickey, The Big C Can I pick them all to be losers?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I pick them up one by one and pat them, listen to the "tok", sniff the end and pretend that I know what I'm doing.

The Guardian - Travel

I ride my bike to work, which takes five minutes, so I can drop my children at school in the morning, and sometimes I pick them up, too.

The Guardian - Opinion

"If you walk into a printer and ask to have 50,000 fliers printed and say, 'I'll pay you when I pick them up,' the printer would just laugh".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

I picked them up just by traveling".

The New Yorker

So I picked them up.

The New York Times

I picked them up like that".

The New York Times

'I picked them out of the blue,' he said later.

The Guardian

I picked them up and threw them at Greg. "Take these to the coat room.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When clarity matters, consider replacing "pick" with a more specific verb like "select", "choose", or "gather" to enhance understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "I pick them" when referring to a concept instead of physical objects or identifiable entities; ensure the "them" has a clear and tangible reference.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function is that of a declarative statement expressing the speaker's action of choosing or selecting. Ludwig indicates the phrase is usable in written English, emphasizing its role in conveying personal selection from a set of options.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I pick them" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase for expressing a choice or selection, Ludwig confirms. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register applicable across various scenarios. While alternatives like "I select them" or "I choose them" offer similar meanings, "I pick them" is versatile. However, for maximum clarity, ensuring the referent is explicit remains crucial. When writing, always ensure the context provides an clear association for “them”. Ludwig's analysis supports its broad usability while highlighting the importance of clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I select them

Replaces "pick" with the more formal "select", indicating a careful or deliberate choice.

I choose them

Uses "choose" as a general synonym for "pick", emphasizing the act of making a decision.

I take them

Employs "take" to convey the act of acquiring or obtaining something.

I opt for them

Emphasizes the decision-making aspect of the selection.

I am choosing them

Uses present continuous to emphasize the ongoing nature of the act of choosing.

I grab them

Suggests a quicker, more casual selection.

I gather them

Implies collecting items, often from a scattered state.

I favor them

Indicates a preference or liking for the selected items.

I single them out

Highlights the act of selecting specific items from a larger group.

I cull them

Refers to selecting something to remove weaknesses, negative connotations may exist.

FAQs

What does "I pick them" mean?

The phrase "I pick them" generally means that you are choosing or selecting certain items or people from a larger group. The selection can be based on preference, necessity, or any other criteria.

What can I say instead of "I pick them"?

You can use alternatives like "I select them", "I choose them", or "I take them" depending on the specific context. Each of these alternatives offers a slightly different nuance to the act of selection.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "I pick them"?

While generally correct, "I pick them" can be unclear if the referent of "them" is not immediately obvious. Always ensure the context makes it clear what you are selecting, or rephrase for clarity.

How to use "I pick them" in a sentence?

You can use it to express selection: "Of all the apples, I pick them because they are the reddest". It can also mean physical selection: "When the toys fell, I pick them up quickly".