pick the apple that you want vs pick an apple that you want

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Pick the apple that you want' implies that there is a specific apple that the speaker is referring to, while 'Pick an apple that you want' suggests a more general selection of apples to choose from.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 515 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a specific apple among others.

"pick the apple that you want"

This phrase is used when there is a specific apple that the speaker is referring to among a group of apples, and the listener is expected to choose that particular one.

Examples:

Pick the apple that you want from the basket.
Please pick the apple that you want to eat.

Show examples from the web [+]

She is the apple that goes in the pig's mouth.
All of the apples that fall are eaten by the pigs.
He hardens the apple core in his kiln, and uses it to pick the lock.
"A" is for the apple that he gave to me but I found a worm inside
If you want to pick the team, fine.
You guys pick the one you want.
OK, obviously, you want me to pick the crunchy one.
Someone else might pick the one you want.
I am so smart, but you want me to pick the fish for you only.
You got to go meet them all and pick the one you want.
They even charge Â£500 if you want to pick the car up from the factory yourself.
I'll pick the boys up after school if you want me to.
You want someone to write you a poem, pick the sensitive loner.
You're being nice to me because you want to pick the baby's name.
You pick the city you want to live in.
They even charge Â£500 if you want to pick the car up from the factory yourself.
You pick the one that you want to keep, and I'll take the other.
Look, if you want me to be a social worker, you pick the patient who should die in the waiting room.
If you want to look good to me, it's best if you don't pick the cheap one.
They even charge Â£500 if you want to pick the car up from the factory yourself.

Alternatives:

Choose the apple that you want
Select the apple that you want

This phrase is correct and commonly used when offering a choice from a general selection of apples.

"pick an apple that you want"

This phrase is used when there is a general selection of apples to choose from, and the listener can pick any apple they desire.

Examples:

Pick an apple that you want from the display.
You can pick an apple that you want to take home.

Show examples from the web [+]

Come on, you can convince an apple that it's an orange.
I would go pick an apple.
You could pick an apple off someone's head?
Well, if you want dessert, have an apple.
In Boltzmann's scenario, if you want to make an apple pie, you just wait for the random motion of atoms to make you an apple pie.
- Do you want an apple?
If you want an apple, follow me!
You want an apple, Amir?
Colin, do you want a fruit bar or an apple in your lunch?
Sam, you want an apple or string cheese?
if you want a role model, pick an old guy.
This house had an apple pie fragrance.
The guard gives Singer an apple.
Do you want a REACH apple that turns rotten or a core that grows?
Now, that's an apple.
Cored his skull like an apple.
Cored his skull like an apple.
'cause I've been to an apple prom, And everyone got pretty sauced.
He has all the sweetness of an apple on the tree.
I could offer you chocolate milk or an apple.

Alternatives:

Choose an apple that you want
Select an apple that you want

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pick the apple that you want vs pick an apple that you want