pick out

USAGE SUMMARY

"pick out" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe selecting something from a group. For example: "I decided to pick out the green apples from the bunch."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pick out one.

The New Yorker

Pick out the positives.

WikiHow

Pick out quality ingredients.

WikiHow

Pick out your creatures.

WikiHow

Pick out your color.

WikiHow

Pick out eyeliner.

WikiHow

Pick out a color.

WikiHow

Pick out a suit.

WikiHow

Pick out a highlighter.

WikiHow

Pick out accessories.

WikiHow

Pick out supplies.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pick out", ensure the context clearly indicates from what or whom the selection is being made. For example: "Pick out the ripe tomatoes from the basket."

Common error

Avoid using "pick out" without specifying the source from which the selection is being made. For example, instead of saying "Pick out one", specify "Pick out one from the list".

Linguistic Context

**Pick out" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating the action of selecting or choosing something from a group. Ludwig shows many examples where it's used to describe the process of choosing items, colors, or even people from a larger set. It can also mean to distinguish something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

64%

News & Media

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pick out" is a commonly used phrasal verb that signifies the act of choosing or selecting something from a group. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and versatile, fitting into various contexts, although more prevalent in informal or general writing such as WikiHow, as demonstrated in the examples. When using "pick out", ensure the context is clear about the source of selection to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "select", "choose", or "distinguish" can be used depending on the desired level of formality and specificity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

select

This alternative conveys the meaning of choosing something carefully from a range of options, similar to "pick out".

choose

This is a general term for selecting something, similar to "pick out" but less specific.

handpick

Implies careful and deliberate selection, often suggesting a high quality or suitability.

single out

This emphasizes selecting one item from a group, often implying it's being distinguished in some way.

distinguish

This implies identifying something specific from a larger set, similar to "pick out" in a discerning way.

identify

This highlights the act of recognizing or spotting something specific.

extract

This suggests removing something carefully from a larger group.

separate

This emphasizes the act of dividing something from a group for a specific purpose.

cull

This implies selecting and removing unwanted items from a group.

glean

This suggests gathering or extracting information carefully.

FAQs

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

You can use "pick out" to describe selecting something from a group, such as "I need to pick out a dress for the party" or "Can you pick out the errors in this document".

What is a synonym for "pick out"?

Synonyms for "pick out" include "select", "choose", or "distinguish". The best alternative depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "picked out"?

Yes, "picked out" is the past tense and past participle form of "pick out". For example, "She picked out her favorite book".

What is the difference between "pick out" and "single out"?

"Pick out" generally means to choose or select, while "single out" implies choosing one particular item or person from a group, often for special attention or treatment.