pick off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pick off" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe the action of targeting and shooting something in the distance, or figuratively, the action of removing something or someone that is blocking the way. Example: The sniper began to pick off the enemy troops one by one.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Steadied to pick off the two frigates".

The New York Times

Most diseases pick off young children and the elderly.

The Economist

It prefers to pick off rival claimants one by one.

The Economist

They are sure to pick off some high-profile Tories.

The Economist

It may use the proceeds to pick off failed rivals.

The New York Times

I try to pick off as much as I can".

The New York Times - Sports

Some good anticipation to pick off dangerous passes.

The New York Times

To do that, it needs to pick off Republicans like..

The New York Times

It is hard, says Sir Martin, to pick off clients one by one.

The Economist

Use your chopsticks to pick off tender meat from bones sitting in the soup.

The New York Times - Food

Like any bully, it prefers to pick off its antagonists one by one.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pick off" in the context of baseball, ensure the audience understands the baseball-specific meaning related to catching a runner off base.

Common error

Avoid using "pick off" literally (e.g., "pick off lint") when a simpler verb like "remove" would be more appropriate and less confusing. Always consider the context to determine if the specific nuance of "targeting" or "selective removal" is intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "pick off" functions primarily as a dynamic verb, indicating an action of removal, selection, or targeting. Ludwig examples show it being used both literally, such as "Use your chopsticks to pick off tender meat from bones", and figuratively, such as "It prefers to pick off rival claimants one by one".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

36%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pick off" is a versatile phrasal verb with multiple meanings, ranging from literal removal to strategic elimination. As shown by Ludwig, it's widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for general use, though writers should be mindful of the specific nuance they intend to convey and choose the most appropriate word for the context. When talking about baseball, the expression have a different, specific meaning: pitcher throwing to a base to try to catch a runner off base and get them out.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pluck

Focuses on removing something with a quick pull, often by hand.

snipe

Specifically refers to shooting from a concealed location, a narrower meaning than the general targeting in "pick off".

remove

Focuses on the action of taking something away, lacking the targeting aspect of "pick off".

eliminate

Implies a more complete removal, often suggesting destruction or termination, unlike the selective nature of "pick off".

single out

Highlights the act of selecting one item or person from a group, emphasizing choice rather than removal.

weed out

Suggests removing undesirable elements from a larger group, implying a process of refinement not always present in "pick off".

cull

Implies reducing a population by selective slaughter, a harsher meaning than the general sense of "pick off".

select

Focuses on the choice aspect of "pick off", rather than the act of taking something out of a group.

extract

Focuses on carefully removing something.

isolate

Emphasizes setting something apart from others, potentially before removal.

FAQs

How can I use "pick off" in a sentence?

You can use "pick off" to describe removing something by hand (e.g., "pick off the dead leaves"), shooting targets one by one (e.g., "The sniper picked off the guards"), or eliminating opponents/obstacles gradually (e.g., "Let's pick off these issues one by one").

What's another way to say "pick off"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "remove", "eliminate", "snipe", or "single out".

Is it ever wrong to use "pick off"?

While generally acceptable, "pick off" might be inappropriate in very formal contexts where a more direct verb like "remove" or "eliminate" would be more suitable. Also, avoid using it literally when a simpler verb is clearer.

What does "pick off" mean in baseball?

In baseball, "pick off" refers to the act of a pitcher throwing to a base to try to catch a runner off base and get them out.