Contents
Phrasal verbs are an essential part of the English language, and they can be challenging for non-native speakers to understand. In this reference, you will explore the different phrasal verbs with “pick” and their meanings. From understanding the verb “pick” itself to diving into various common and useful phrasal verbs, this guide covers it all.
You’ll learn about specific phrases like “pick apart” and “pick off,” along with their meanings and examples. The reference is designed to help you grasp these phrases with ease through clear explanations and practical examples.
Fundamentals of Phrasal Verbs with Pick
Understanding the Verb ‘Pick’
Before diving into the world of phrasal verbs with ‘pick’, let’s first understand what the verb ‘pick’ means. It refers to the action of selecting or choosing something or someone from a group of options. It could also mean removing small pieces of something using fingers or a tool.
Common Phrasal Verbs with Pick
Phrasal verbs are formed by combining a verb with one or more particles. Here are some common phrasal verbs with ‘pick’:
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pick apart | Criticize or analyze something in detail |
| Pick at | Eat or nibble on something slowly and without much interest |
| Pick off | Remove something or someone from a group |
| Pick on | Bully or tease someone |
| Pick out | Choose or select something or someone from a group |
| Pick through | Search through a group of things or items |
It’s important to note that some phrasal verbs with ‘pick’ are separable, meaning that the particle can be placed between the verb and the object, or at the end of the sentence. For example, “I picked out a dress for the party” and “I picked a dress out for the party” are both correct.
Useful Phrasal Verbs with PICK
Below is the list of commonly used phrasal verbs with Pick.
Pick apart, Pick off
Pick apart
- Meaning: To overcome something by skilled execution, often by breaking it down into smaller components and analyzing each part in detail
- Example: The defense attorney tried to pick apart the prosecution’s case during the trial.
Pick off
- Meaning: To remove something by plucking or pulling it away, often one by one
- Example: She was able to pick off the last remaining grapes from the vine.
Pick off
- Meaning: To shoot or eliminate targets one by one, often in a systematic or strategic manner
- Example: The hunter picked off three ducks with his shotgun.
Pick off
- Meaning: To tackle or address tasks, obstacles, opponents, etc. one by one, often to gradually reduce their numbers or impact
- Example: The team captain instructed his players to pick off their opponents one by one.
Pick on, Pick out
Pick on
- Meaning: To repeatedly tease, mock, or intimidate someone, often in a way that is unfair or unprovoked
- Example: The school bullies liked to pick on the new students and make fun of them.
Pick on
- Meaning: To choose or single out someone for a certain task or responsibility
- Example: The boss picked on the employee to lead the new project.
Pick out
- Meaning: To recognize or identify something or someone among others, often by using specific criteria or features
- Example: The designer wanted to pick on the details of the dress with a contrasting color.
Pick out
- Meaning: To decorate or embellish something with lines, colors, or other elements that stand out from the rest of the design
- Example: The artist used a fine brush to pick out the details of the painting.
Pick up
Pick up
- Meaning: To physically lift or raise something from a lower position to a higher one
- Example: She bent down to pick up the coin she saw on the ground.
Pick up
- Meaning: To gather or acquire something, often in a casual or incidental manner while on the move
- Example: She had to pick up her scarf that fell off her bag as she walked.
Pick up
- Meaning: To tidy or rearrange something disorganized or messy, often to make it look neater or more presentable
- Example: We all pitched in to pick up the trash after the party.
Pick up
- Meaning: To give a ride or transport to someone, often in a vehicle such as a car or a taxi
- Example: The taxi driver was able to pick up the passenger at the airport on time.
Pick up
- Meaning: To apprehend or arrest someone who is suspected of a crime, often by law enforcement authorities
- Example: The police were able to pick up the suspect based on the description given by the witnesses.
Pick up
- Meaning: To enhance, increase, or accelerate something, often to make it more efficient or effective
- Example: The economy began to pick up after the recession.
Pick up
- Meaning: To resume or restart an activity or process that was previously interrupted or paused
- Example: She had to pick up where she left off after taking a break from her work.
Pick up
- Meaning: To acquire knowledge or understanding of something, often through observation, practice, or study
- Example: He was able to pick up the basics of the language after just a few lessons.
Pick up
- Meaning: To receive or detect a signal, message, or transmission, often through a device such as a radio or phone
- Example: The radio was able to pick up the signal from the distant station.
Pick up
- Meaning: To perceive or notice something, often with a sense of alertness or sensitivity, as in “pick up on subtle cues”
- Example: She was able to pick up on the subtle changes in her friend’s behavior.
Pick up
- Meaning: To criticize or point out someone’s flaws, mistakes, or shortcomings, often in a harsh or judgmental manner
- Example: The coach picked up on the player’s lack of effort during practice.
Pick up
- Meaning: To meet and attract someone for romantic or sexual purposes, often in a social setting such as a bar or party
- Example: He hoped to pick up someone at the party and go on a date with them.
Pick up
- Meaning: To answer a phone call or take control of a telephone line
- Example: He quickly picked up his phone as it rang and answered it.
Pick up
- Meaning: To pay for something, often as a way of settling a debt or obligation
- Example: She was happy to pick up the check for their lunch date.
- 10 Rare Words for Expanding Your English Vocabulary - June 5, 2024
- What Does the Term “Hypocritical” Mean? - January 27, 2024
- SWAG Meaning: What Does it Mean? - January 25, 2024