Help center

Phrasal verbs "nod off" vs "pick off"

Differences between nod off and pick off

Nod off means to fall asleep unintentionally, while pick off means to remove something or someone from a group one by one.

Meanings and Definitions: nod off vs pick off

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Nod off

  • 1Fall asleep.

    I NODDED OFF during the speech.

Pick off

  • 1Target individuals to change a group.

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

Usage Examples: nod off, pick off in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

nod off

Example

I nod off during long meetings.

Example

She nods off while watching TV late at night.

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 Nod off

fall asleep

To enter a state of sleep.

Example

After a long day at work, she was so tired that she fell asleep on the couch.

doze off

To fall into a light sleep, especially during the day.

Example

He often dozes off during meetings because he has trouble staying awake.

drift off

To gradually fall asleep, often while sitting or lying down.

Example

As she listened to the soothing music, she began to drift off into a peaceful slumber.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pick off

pluck off

To remove something by pulling it off with your fingers.

Example

She plucked off a few leaves from the plant to use in her recipe.

take off

To remove something from a surface or from your body.

Example

He took off his jacket and hung it up in the closet.

eliminate one by one

To remove or get rid of something or someone systematically, one at a time.

Example

The detective eliminated suspects one by one until he found the true culprit.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “nod”

  • nod through

Phrasal Verbs with “off”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: nod off or pick off?

In daily conversation, people use nod off more often than pick off. This is because nod off is a common experience that many people can relate to, while pick off is a more specific action that is not used as frequently.

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

Nod off and pick off are both informal phrases that are suitable for everyday conversations with friends and family. However, pick off can also be used in more formal settings such as business or academic contexts.

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

The tone of nod off is usually casual or humorous, while the tone of pick off can vary depending on the context. It can be neutral or matter-of-fact when referring to removing objects, but it can also have a negative connotation when referring to removing people from a group.

nod off & pick off: Synonyms and Antonyms

Nod off

Synonyms

  • snooze
  • doze off
  • fall asleep
  • drift off
  • drowse off

Antonyms

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!