pick out vs pick on

Both phrases are correct, but they have different meanings and usage. 'Pick out' means to choose or select something from a group, while 'pick on' means to repeatedly criticize, tease, or bully someone. They are not interchangeable as they convey different actions.

Last updated: April 01, 2024 • 755 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"pick out"

It means to choose or select something from a group. It is often used when you are selecting something specific from a larger set.

Examples:

She managed to pick out the best dress from the rack.
Can you help me pick out a gift for my sister?

Show examples from the web [+]

Men should never pick out jewelry alone.
I helped him pick out a chorizo.
He would've been able to pick out the two women.
They can't pick out the merchandise in Times Square.
I helped Norman pick out the dress she was buried in.
Trying to pick out stuff for the funeral and needs some help.
I remember her helping me pick out this wallpaper.
I don't want to pick out a page, Daniel.
I helped Sam pick out those costumes when I was a little girl.
I will help you pick out the perfect records to add to your collection.
You guys have to help me pick out which dress.
Anyway, I helped Henry pick out the suit at Barney's in New York.
I helped pick out the Cohens' tree.
He can help you pick out a horse.
Come and help me pick out something appropriate for this evening.
Help him pick out a cool tattoo for his birthday.
I think I can pick out my own tie.
He's taking me to pick out an engagement ring tomorrow.
All right, let's pick out some temporary tattoos.
My mom helped me pick out my suit.

Alternatives:

select
choose
identify
single out
spot

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"pick on"

It means to repeatedly criticize, tease, or bully someone. It is often used in the context of unfair treatment or singling out someone for negative attention.

Examples:

Stop picking on your little brother!
Why do you always pick on me in class?

Show examples from the web [+]

Maybe I could pick on someone a little smaller than me.
You were the one who said pick on the weak ones.
Never let anyone pick on you.
Bad time to pick on the military.
I think if they were clean they wouldn't have anybody to pick on.
When I said I will pick on everyone else except you...
Don't pick on Eun Sang anymore.
Next time pick on a country your own size.
Tell Nottingham what happens when his scum pick on children.
You shouldn't pick on kids smaller than you.
They used to pick on me, too.
Then Hammond started to pick on my car.
That's the kind of kid I liked to pick on.
But you'll all just pick on me.
He doesn't pick on anybody.
Guy'd be the last pick on my team.
Why don't you pick on someone your own size.
I had three older brothers who loved to pick on me.
They don't pick on me for being fat.
That's why it's easy to pick on him.

Alternatives:

bully
tease
harass
mock
torment

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pick out vs pick on

"pick out"

"pick on"

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