In 15 Sekunden
- Use it to describe choosing something using a specific tool.
- Common in physical tasks like eating or crafting.
- Works for digital actions like using a computer mouse.
Bedeutung
This phrase describes the act of choosing or selecting something by using a specific tool or method. It is often used when you are being careful or precise about what you are picking.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Eating appetizers at a party
Please pick the olives with a toothpick instead of your fingers.
Please select the olives using a toothpick.
Using a design app
You can pick the background color with the eyedropper tool.
You can select the color using the eyedropper.
Texting a friend about a game
I always pick my characters with a random generator to keep it fun.
I choose my characters using a randomizer.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Lockpicking is a popular 'maker' hobby. Enthusiasts often use the phrase 'pick with' to discuss the ethics and mechanics of security. The term 'picking' is synonymous with playing music. A 'picking party' is a social gathering where people play banjos and guitars. There is a high cultural value on specialized tools for specific tasks (e.g., bonsai). 'Picking with' the correct tool is a sign of respect for the craft. Fruit picking (like strawberries) is a common summer activity. Using the correct technique ('pick with the stem') is often emphasized at 'Pick Your Own' farms.
Tool Rule
Always use 'with' when the next word is a tool (tweezers, pick, needle).
Don't Bully
Never say 'I pick with him' if you mean you are teasing him; that's 'pick on'.
In 15 Sekunden
- Use it to describe choosing something using a specific tool.
- Common in physical tasks like eating or crafting.
- Works for digital actions like using a computer mouse.
What It Means
Pick with is all about the tool you use to make a choice. It combines the action of selecting (pick) with the instrument or method (with). Think of it as being more specific than just saying "choose." You are telling someone exactly how the selection happens. It implies a bit of focus or a specific process.
How To Use It
Use this when the tool is just as important as the choice. You usually follow it with an object like a fork, a mouse, or even care. For example, "I pick with my left hand." It sounds natural when you are describing a physical action. It also works for digital actions, like picking a color with a specific software tool. Don't overthink it; it's a very direct way to speak.
When To Use It
You’ll use this most often in hands-on situations. At a dinner party, you might pick with a toothpick. In a design meeting, you might pick with a eyedropper tool. It’s great for giving instructions. It’s also useful when you want to emphasize the care taken. "She picks with caution" shows she is being very deliberate.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this for abstract life decisions. You wouldn't say "I pick with my heart" to mean you are following your emotions. In that case, "choose with" or "follow" is better. Also, don't confuse it with "pick on," which means to bully someone. Nobody wants to be picked on at lunch! Keep it strictly to the physical or mechanical act of selecting.
Cultural Background
English speakers value precision in manual tasks. Using the right tool for the job is a big part of the culture. Phrases like this highlight the connection between the person and their tools. It reflects a "DIY" or "hands-on" spirit common in many English-speaking countries. Whether it's gardening or coding, the tool matters.
Common Variations
You might hear pick out with for more emphasis. Select with is the more formal cousin. In casual talk, people might just say grab with. However, pick with remains the most versatile for everyday tasks. It’s the "Goldilocks" of phrases—not too formal, not too messy.
Nutzungshinweise
The phrase is highly versatile and fits into neutral or informal speech easily. Just remember that 'with' must be followed by the instrument or the manner of the action.
Tool Rule
Always use 'with' when the next word is a tool (tweezers, pick, needle).
Don't Bully
Never say 'I pick with him' if you mean you are teasing him; that's 'pick on'.
Musical Context
In music, you can just say 'I pick with my fingers'—the 'strings' are implied.
Word Choice
Using 'pick with care' makes you sound very thoughtful and professional.
Beispiele
6Please pick the olives with a toothpick instead of your fingers.
Please select the olives using a toothpick.
Focuses on the tool used for hygiene.
You can pick the background color with the eyedropper tool.
You can select the color using the eyedropper.
Common technical instruction.
I always pick my characters with a random generator to keep it fun.
I choose my characters using a randomizer.
Shows the method of selection.
He's so posh, he even picks his fries with a silver fork!
He selects his fries using a silver fork.
Uses the phrase to highlight funny behavior.
The technician must pick the samples with sterilized tweezers.
The technician must select the samples using tweezers.
Emphasizes precision and safety.
My grandmother taught me to pick the flowers with love and care.
She taught me to select flowers with affection.
Uses 'with' to describe the manner/emotion.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the blank with the correct preposition and tool.
The guitarist decided to pick the strings _______ a heavy _______.
We use 'with' for the tool and 'plectrum' is a tool for picking strings.
Which sentence uses 'pick with' correctly for a figurative meaning?
Choose the best sentence:
Sentence B uses 'pick with' to describe a methodical selection process (criteria as the tool).
Complete the dialogue.
A: How did you get the splinter out? B: I _______ it _______ a pair of tweezers.
'Picked with' is used for extracting something with a tool.
Match the tool to the 'pick with' action.
1. Lock, 2. Guitar, 3. Splinter, 4. Words
These are the standard tools/methods associated with 'picking' these objects.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Common Tools for 'Pick With'
Music
- • Plectrum
- • Thumb-pick
- • Fingernails
Repair
- • Lockpick
- • Tweezers
- • Needle
Nature
- • Pole
- • Rake
- • Basket
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenThe guitarist decided to pick the strings _______ a heavy _______.
We use 'with' for the tool and 'plectrum' is a tool for picking strings.
Choose the best sentence:
Sentence B uses 'pick with' to describe a methodical selection process (criteria as the tool).
A: How did you get the splinter out? B: I _______ it _______ a pair of tweezers.
'Picked with' is used for extracting something with a tool.
1. Lock, 2. Guitar, 3. Splinter, 4. Words
These are the standard tools/methods associated with 'picking' these objects.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, 'pick with' is the standard collocation for instruments. 'By' is used for methods (e.g., 'pick by hand').
It is neutral. In very formal writing, you might use 'extract using' or 'select via'.
It's a related idiom meaning to examine something very carefully.
Only if you are selecting them using a specific method, like 'picking a team with a draft system'.
Both are correct, but 'pick with' is more common in spoken English.
Usually, yes, but it can also mean using a specific mental method or criteria.
Yes, body parts can act as the 'tool' in this phrase.
'Pluck' is specifically for pulling and releasing (like a string or a feather), while 'pick' is more general.
Technically, you 'shim' a lock with a card, but people often say 'pick with' informally.
Yes, for example, 'pick the meat with a fork' or 'pick herbs with scissors'.
Verwandte Redewendungen
pick out
similarTo choose from a group.
pick at
contrastTo touch or eat small bits.
pick on
contrastTo bully someone.
pick up
similarTo lift something.
pick a bone with
idiomTo have a grievance.
