What are the definitions of “pick on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Bother, annoy, criticize or make fun of someone.
My friends always PICK ON me because I don't sing well.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pick on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pick on is to bother, annoy, criticize, or make fun of someone, usually in an unfair or unkind way. It often refers to bullying or teasing someone.
What are the different verb forms of “pick on”?
| Root Verb | pick on |
| Third Person Singular Present | picks on |
| Present Participle | picking on |
| Simple Past | picked on |
| Past Participle | picked on |
Example
My classmates always pick on the new student.
Example
He picks on his younger brother all the time.
Example
She is picking on her coworker for no reason.
Example
They picked on him during the entire school year.
Example
She felt bad because she had been picked on at school.
What kind of phrasal verb is “pick on”?
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 on” 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
Don't pick on your sister; it's not nice.
Example
The teacher told the students not to pick on each other.
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 on” 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
Don't pick on your sister; it's not nice.
Example
The teacher told the students not to pick on each other.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pick on”?
Good things to know
Does “pick on” have an informal or formal tone?
Pick on is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal writing or professional settings. In more formal contexts, words like 'criticize,' 'tease,' or 'bully' may be more appropriate.
