Differences between look through and pick through
Look through means to search for something carefully or to examine something quickly, while pick through means to search for something carefully and selectively, often looking for the best parts.
Meanings and Definitions: look through vs pick through
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Look through
- 1Read quickly.
I LOOKED THROUGH the article.
Pick through
- 1Search something that is disordered for something.
The police have been PICKING THROUGH the wreckage for clues.
Usage Examples: look through, pick through in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
look through
Example
I always look through the newspaper in the morning.
Example
She looks through her emails every day.
pick through
Example
She picked through the pile of clothes to find her favorite shirt.
Example
He picks through the box of old photos to find a picture of his grandparents.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Look through
To look at something casually or quickly, without a specific purpose.
Example
She likes to browse through magazines at the bookstore on weekends.
To look at something quickly in order to find specific information or details.
Example
He had to scan the document to find the relevant data for his report.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pick through
cherry-pick
To choose only the best or most desirable things from a group or selection.
Example
The coach had to cherry-pick the best players for the team from a large pool of candidates.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “look”
Phrasal Verbs with “pick”
Phrasal Verbs with “through”
Differences in look through vs pick through: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: look through or pick through?
In daily conversation, people use look through more often than pick through. This is because look through is used for more general situations such as searching for a lost item or browsing a book. Pick through is less common and usually used when someone is searching for something specific or trying to find the best parts of something.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of look through and pick through
Look through and pick through are both informal phrases that are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. However, pick through may be considered slightly more informal due to its colloquial nature.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of look through and pick through
The tone of look through and pick through can differ based on context. Look through often carries a neutral or curious tone when related to searching or examining, while pick through typically has a more critical or selective tone, especially when referring to choosing the best parts of something.
