choose up
B2 informal intransitive
In simple words
To take turns picking people for your team at the start of a game, like when kids divide into two groups to play.
Literal meaning: To choose upward — the image of picking people up into a team.
Meanings
1 B1 informal
To form two opposing teams by having captains take turns selecting players from an available group.
"Let's choose up sides and start the game — Tom and Maria will be the captains."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Predominantly American English. Used most commonly by children and in informal sporting contexts. The phrase describes the process where two captains alternate picking players from a group. Uncommon in British English.
Commonly used with
sides teams players game basketball baseball
Forms
Base
choose up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
chooses up
he/she/it
Past simple
chose up
yesterday
Past participle
chosen up
have + pp
-ing form
choosing up
continuous
Understand "choose up" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Synonyms
pick sides divide into teams draft players pick teams
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "choose up" on Looplines