1 B2 neutral
To search carefully through a disordered or large collection to find something.
"Rescue workers picked through the rubble looking for survivors."
inseparable
pick through
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
To search carefully through a collection of things, especially one that is disordered or mixed, to find something specific.
In plain English
To look through a messy pile of things carefully to find what you need.
What does "pick through" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To examine a collection of documents, data, or records in detail to find relevant information.
"The investigators spent weeks picking through thousands of emails."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To pick (select carefully) through (all the way through a collection).
Actually means
To look through a messy pile of things carefully to find what you need.
Usage tip
Often used when the collection being searched is disordered, messy, or large. Common in contexts such as searching through rubble, archives, clothing, or evidence. Slightly more formal feel than 'rummage through'. Appears in both literal and figurative contexts.
Words that pair with "pick through"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
rubble documents files clothes debris evidence
How to conjugate "pick through"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
pick through
I/you/we/they
3rd person
picks through
he/she/it
Past simple
picked through
yesterday
Past participle
picked through
have + pp
-ing form
picking through
continuous
Hear "pick through" in the wild
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Other ways to say "pick through"
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