pick, picked, picked

Meaning of the Verb "Pick"

• To choose or select something

  • She picked the best candidate for the job.
  • She needs to pick a major before the end of the semester.
    
    

• To remove or harvest something (e.g., fruits, flowers) by hand

  • We went to the farm to pick fresh strawberries.
  • We spent the morning picking apples in the orchard.
    
    

• To collect someone in a vehicle

  • My mom will pick me up from the airport at 8 PM.
    
    

• To pull or pluck at something lightly (often repeatedly)

  • He nervously picked at the label on his water bottle.
    
    

• To open a lock without a key (using tools)

  • The spy picked the lock silently.
  • The detective picked the old safe to retrieve the documents.
    
    

• To criticize or bother someone repeatedly

  • The older kids always pick on him at school.
    
    

Phrasal Verbs with "Pick"

• Pick up

  • Lift something: Can you pick up your bag from the floor?
  • Learn something: She picked up Spanish quickly.
  • Collect someone: I’ll pick you up at 7 PM.
  • Collect something: I’ll pick up the dry cleaning on my way home.
    
    

• Pick out (select carefully)

  • He picked out a nice gift for his mom.
    
    

• Pick on (bully or criticize)

  • Stop picking on your little sister!
    
    

Idioms with "Pick"

• "Pick someone’s brain" = Ask for advice or knowledge

  • Can I pick your brain about this project?
  • I need to pick your brain about the project.
    
    
    

• "Pick and choose" = Select only the best options

  • You can’t pick and choose which rules to follow.
    
    

Common Mistakes

• "Pick" vs. "Peek"

  • "Pick" means to choose or remove, while "peek" means to look quickly.
    
    

• "Pick" vs. "Peel"

  • "Pick" involves selecting or plucking, while "peel" means removing a layer (e.g., peeling a banana).