SpeakUp

Grammar fix

pick out

choose/select

to choose something or someone from a group of options.

phrasal verbB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • It took me ages to pick out a birthday card for my sister.daily life
  • If I had to pick out one book that influenced me the most, it would be 'To Kill a Mockingbird' because of its powerful message.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: pick out + noun/pronoun

WrongCan you pick out it for me?

RightCan you pick it out for me?

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle — 'pick it out', not 'pick out it'.

Patternpick out + noun/pronoun

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff Please select the item you find most appealing.

Natural Just pick out the one you like.

'Select the most appealing item' is shop-assistant formal; 'pick out' is casual.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • pick out
    pick outpick out a fewpick out the bestpick it out

Don't confuse it

Do not confuse with 'pick up' (to collect or lift) or 'pick on' (to bully).

Try it in Daily Speak →