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Phrasal verbs "cart off" vs "pick off"

Differences between cart off and pick off

Cart off means to take someone or something away, usually in a forceful or abrupt manner. On the other hand, pick off means to select or remove something or someone from a group, often one by one.

Meanings and Definitions: cart off vs pick off

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Cart off

  • 1Take someone away, usually under arrest or to prison.

    The police CARTED them OFF to question them.

  • 2Take something away, especially if stealing or without permission.

    The thieves CARTED OFF all the ticket receipts.

Pick off

  • 1Target individuals to change a group.

    There were many rebels against the policy, but the government PICKED OFF the leaders.

Usage Examples: cart off, pick off in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

cart off

Example

The police carted off the suspect for questioning.

Example

He carts off the old furniture to the dump.

pick off

Example

The sniper was able to pick off the enemy soldiers one by one.

Example

She picks off the best players from the opposing team.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Cart off

haul away

To take something or someone away, often by force or with great effort.

Example

The police had to haul away the protesters who refused to leave the area.

take into custody

To arrest or detain someone for legal reasons.

Example

The suspect was taken into custody after being caught on camera stealing from the store.

remove forcibly

To take something or someone away using physical force.

Example

The bouncers had to remove the rowdy customer forcibly from the club.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pick off

select one by one

To choose or pick something or someone individually from a group.

Example

She started to select the best apples one by one from the basket.

eliminate one by one

To remove or get rid of something or someone individually from a group.

Example

The sniper was able to eliminate the enemy soldiers one by one from his hidden position.

cross off

To mark or remove an item from a list or schedule.

Example

I need to cross off the tasks I've already completed to keep track of my progress.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “off”

Differences in cart off vs pick off: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: cart off or pick off?

In everyday conversation, cart off is less common than pick off. Pick off is used more frequently in various contexts, such as sports, games, and even in everyday situations like picking off items from a grocery list. Cart off is used less often and usually in more specific situations, such as when someone is being arrested or taken away by force.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of cart off and pick off

Both cart off and pick off are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations with friends and family. However, in more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more professional tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of cart off and pick off

The tone of cart off and pick off can differ based on context. Cart off often carries a negative or forceful tone, especially when referring to taking someone or something away against their will. In contrast, pick off typically has a neutral or positive tone, especially when referring to selecting or removing something from a group.

cart off & pick off: Synonyms and Antonyms

Cart off

Synonyms

Antonyms

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