What does the phrasal verb “pick off” mean?

What are the definitions of “pick off”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Target individuals to change a group.

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

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pick off”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pick off is to target and eliminate specific individuals from a group, often to weaken or change the group. This can be used in various contexts, such as politics, sports, or military operations.

What are the different verb forms of “pick off”?

Root Verb	pick off
Third Person Singular Present	picks off
Present Participle	picking off
Simple Past	picked off
Past Participle	picked 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.

Example

The government is picking off the leaders of the opposition.

Example

The coach picked off the most talented players for his team.

Example

The leaders of the rebellion were picked off by the government.

What kind of phrasal verb is “pick off”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“pick off” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

The sniper picked off the enemy soldiers.

Example

The coach picked off the most talented players for his team.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“pick off” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

The sniper picked off the enemy soldiers.

Example

The coach picked off the most talented players for his team.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pick off”?

Pick off* in sports

In sports like baseball or American football, *pick off* refers to intercepting a pass or catching a player off-guard.

Example

The quarterback's pass was picked off by the opposing team's defender.

Pick off* in hunting

In hunting, *pick off* refers to targeting and killing specific animals from a group.

Example

The hunter picked off the largest deer from the herd.

Pick off* in military operations

In military operations, *pick off* refers to targeting and eliminating specific individuals, such as enemy soldiers or leaders.

Example

The special forces unit picked off the high-ranking enemy officers.

Good things to know

Does “pick off” have an informal or formal tone?

Pick off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. Its formality depends on the specific context in which it is used. For example, when discussing sports or hunting, it may have a more informal tone. However, when discussing military operations or political strategies, it can have a more formal tone.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “pick off”?

Synonyms

• eliminate
• target
• remove
• isolate
• select
• choose
• identify

Antonyms

• include
• integrate
• combine
• merge
• unite
• add