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."
inseparable
choose up
B2 informal intransitive
To select members for opposing teams, especially for informal games.
In plain English
To take turns picking people for your team at the start of a game, like when kids divide into two groups to play.
What does "choose up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To choose upward — the image of picking people up into a team.
Actually means
To take turns picking people for your team at the start of a game, like when kids divide into two groups to play.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "choose up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
sides teams players game basketball baseball
How to conjugate "choose up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "choose up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "choose up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "choose up"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
divide into teams draft players pick sides pick teams
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