Grammar fix
single out
choose for special attention
to choose one person or thing from a group for special attention, often in a way that makes them stand out.
phrasal verbB2common
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
The teacher singled out Maria for her excellent project.
In my opinion, it's important for leaders to single out employees who work hard, as it motivates others to do their best.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: Why do you always single out me?
Say: Why do you always single me out?
With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'single me out'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Single out' compactly means pick one from a group for special focus; the paraphrase is clunky.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
single out + person
- one student
- him
- a few names
- for praise