Pick Up vs Pick Out: What's the Difference?

Pick up' and 'pick out' both use the verb 'pick', but their meanings are very different. In this video, you will learn how to use each one correctly. 'Pick up' means to collect or lift something or someone. For example: Can you pick up the kids from school? I picked up some bread on my way home. You can also pick up a pen from the floor or pick up a friend at the airport. 'Pick out' means to choose something, usually from several options. For example: She picked out a dress for the wedding. We picked out a new color for the walls. It is very common when shopping or making decisions. Both phrasal verbs are separable, so you can say 'pick the kids up' or 'pick a dress out'. With pronouns, the object must go in the middle: pick them up, pick it out. Here is the simple way to remember: you pick up what's ready, you pick out what you want. Watch the video, repeat each example, and try using both phrasal verbs to describe your last shopping trip or a typical day with your family.