1 A2 neutral
To choose or select something from a group of options.
"Can you help me pick out a birthday present for my mother?"
separable
pick out
A2 neutral separable transitive
To choose or select something from a group, or to identify or notice something among others.
In plain English
To choose one thing from many, or to notice and identify something.
What does "pick out" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To identify or recognise someone or something among others.
"The witness was unable to pick out the suspect in the identity parade."
separable
3 B1 neutral
To notice or identify a specific detail, feature, or theme in something.
"The professor asked the students to pick out the main argument in each paragraph."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To pick (select) out (from a group).
Actually means
To choose one thing from many, or to notice and identify something.
Usage tip
One of the most common and versatile phrasal verbs. Used in shopping, identification, and analysis contexts. Can refer to choosing a physical item, identifying a person in a crowd, or noticing a detail in writing or speech. Common in both British and American English.
Words that pair with "pick out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
outfit gift detail suspect flaw feature
How to conjugate "pick out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
pick out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
picks out
he/she/it
Past simple
picked out
yesterday
Past participle
picked out
have + pp
-ing form
picking out
continuous
Hear "pick out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "pick out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "pick out"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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