got picked on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "got picked on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone is bullied or teased by others, often in a school or social context. Example: "Throughout his school years, he often felt isolated because he got picked on by his classmates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

I mean, one kid got picked on by (weirdly patriarchal) bullies just for having a stay-at-home dad—I wasn't about to profess that mom had four boyfriends.

Vice

I mean, one kid got picked on by (weirdly patriarchal) bullies just for having a stay-at-home dad—I wasn't about to profess that Mom had four boyfriends.

Vice

I mean, one kid got picked on by (weirdly patriarchal) bullies just for having a stay-at-home dad—I wasn't about to profess that mum had four boyfriends.

Vice

But a lot of freshmen got picked on...

The New York Times

And because he called it that, I got picked on a lot as a kid.

The New Yorker

"I always got picked on and beat on," Mr. Copeland said, breathing slowly.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

They establish a "pecking order" and having only two female fish means that the less dominant one gets picked on exclusively.

WikiHow

Inevitably, the Camorra reveals itself to be a chain of bullies getting picked on by bigger bullies.

The Guardian - Film

And so they get picked on".

The New York Times

I never saw him get picked on".

The New York Times

We're getting picked on, like a scapegoat".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Focus on the impact of being picked on rather than the person who "got picked on". For example, "The constant taunts affected his self-esteem"

Common error

While "got picked on" is acceptable in informal settings, avoid using it in formal writing. Opt for more professional terms like "was subjected to harassment" or "experienced bullying" to maintain a serious and objective tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got picked on" functions as a passive construction indicating that the subject was the recipient of bullying or teasing. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a usable expression in English. Examples show it used to describe experiences of mistreatment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "got picked on" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the experience of being bullied or teased. While acceptable in many contexts, especially informal ones, more formal alternatives such as "was bullied" or "experienced harassment" might be preferable in professional or academic settings. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and examples show it often appears in News & Media. When writing, consider your audience and the desired level of formality to choose the most appropriate phrasing to convey the intended meaning. If higher precision is needed, it might be worthwhile to opt for "was bullied" or "was harassed".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was bullied

Focuses on the act of bullying itself, implying a more severe or sustained form of mistreatment.

was teased

Highlights a milder form of mistreatment, suggesting playful or light-hearted mockery.

was harassed

Implies persistent and unwanted attention or aggression, often in a more formal or serious context.

was tormented

Conveys a sense of severe and prolonged suffering due to the actions of others.

was victimized

Emphasizes the role of the individual as a victim of unfair or harmful treatment.

was singled out

Suggests being chosen specifically for negative attention, without necessarily implying bullying.

was targeted

Implies a deliberate and focused effort to cause harm or distress.

was ridiculed

Highlights the act of being mocked or made fun of in a public or humiliating way.

was ostracized

Focuses on being excluded or shunned by a group, leading to feelings of isolation.

faced discrimination

Indicates being treated unfairly due to prejudice or bias based on personal characteristics.

FAQs

What's the difference between "got picked on" and "was bullied"?

"Got picked on" is generally considered a more informal and less severe way to describe being bullied. "Was bullied" suggests a more sustained and systematic pattern of aggressive behavior.

What are some alternatives to "got picked on" that sound more professional?

In formal contexts, you can use phrases like "experienced harassment", "was subjected to bullying", or "faced discrimination" depending on the specific nature of the mistreatment.

Is it grammatically correct to say "got picked on"?

Yes, "got picked on" is grammatically correct. It uses the passive voice construction of "get" + past participle to indicate that someone was the recipient of the action of being picked on.

How can I use "got picked on" in a sentence?

You can use "got picked on" to describe a situation where someone was teased, bullied, or otherwise mistreated. For example, "He "got picked on" for his unusual clothes", or "She "got picked on" because she was shy".