Grammar fix
pick on
treat someone unfairly or bully them
To repeatedly treat someone in an unkind or unfair way, often by criticizing, teasing, or bullying them.
phrasal verbB1common
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
The older kids used to pick on me at school because I wore glasses.
In my opinion, teachers should step in if they see students picking on someone, because it can really affect a person's confidence.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
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'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Pick on' is the everyday verb for bullying; the formal version is wordy.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
pick on + victim
- the new kid
- someone smaller
- me
- him