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 • 769 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

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

pick out vs pick on

"pick out"

"pick on"

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text