Same verb · different particle
Same verb, different particle, different meaning. Learn these 4 one at a time, then test yourself.
to eat only small amounts of your food, often because you're not hungry or not enjoying it
Examples
She wasn't feeling well and just picked at her dinner.
He picked at his salad while everyone else tucked in.
To repeatedly treat someone in an unkind or unfair way, often by criticizing, teasing, or bullying them.
Examples
The older kids used to pick on me at school because I wore glasses.
A: Why is Mia so upset?
B: Some people keep picking on her in class, and it's really getting to her.
Common mistake
Not: Why are you always picking me?
Say: Why are you always picking on me?
'Pick ON someone' = bully; 'pick someone' = select them. Don't drop 'on'.
Another example
In my opinion, teachers should step in if they see students picking on someone, because it can really affect a person's confidence.
Tell it apart
Stop picking on your brother.
Stop picking at your food.
Goes with
to choose something or someone from a group of options.
Examples
It took me ages to pick out a birthday card for my sister.
A: Which shirt should I wear tonight?
B: I think you should pick out the blue one—it looks great on you.
Common mistake
Not: Can you pick out it for me?
Say: Can you pick it out for me?
With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle — 'pick it out', not 'pick out it'.
Another example
If I had to pick out one book that influenced me the most, it would be 'To Kill a Mockingbird' because of its powerful message.
Tell it apart
I picked out a shirt.
I picked out his voice in the crowd.
Goes with
To go somewhere and bring someone or something with you, usually by car or another vehicle.
Examples
Can you pick me up from the airport at 7 p.m.?
A: What time should I pick you up after work?
B: Around six would be perfect, thanks.
Common mistake
Not: I'll pick up her at six.
Say: I'll pick her up at six.
With a pronoun, the object MUST go in the middle: 'pick her up', never 'pick up her'.
Another example
If I finish my exam early, my dad will pick me up so I don't have to take the bus home.
Tell it apart
I'll pick my sister up from the airport.
I picked up a bit of Spanish there.
Goes with
Read the sentence, then pick the phrasal verb that belongs in the gap.
Pick one and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.
