What are the definitions of “pick through”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Search something that is disordered for something.
The police have been PICKING THROUGH the wreckage for clues.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pick through”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pick through is to search carefully within a disordered or messy area for something specific. This can involve looking for clues, valuable items, or useful information.
What are the different verb forms of “pick through”?
| Root Verb | pick through |
| Third Person Singular Present | picks through |
| Present Participle | picking through |
| Simple Past | picked through |
| Past Participle | picked 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.
Example
They are picking through the rubble to find any survivors.
Example
Yesterday, I picked through the drawer to find my passport.
Example
The room had been picked through by thieves looking for valuables.
What kind of phrasal verb is “pick through”?
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 through” 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
She picked through the pile of clothes.
Example
He picked through the box of old photos.
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 through” 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
She picked through the pile of clothes.
Example
He picked through the box of old photos.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pick through”?
Good things to know
Does “pick through” have an informal or formal tone?
Pick through is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as in a professional or academic environment.
