Pick vs. Choose vs. Select
These three verbs are synonyms but they are used in different contexts and are grammatically different. Follow the lesson to find out more.
While these three verbs all mean to decide which one of a number of available options you want, they are used in different context. While 'choose' is the most general term and is the result of a decision, 'pick' is more specifically used to refer to making a decision without much consideration, and 'select' refers to making a decision with thought and consideration. This lesson will discuss this difference in detail.
Context of Use
'Pick' often suggests a relatively quick or spontaneous selection. It can imply a more casual decision-making process, without extensive thought or consideration of multiple options. 'Choose', on the other hand, is more general and implies a more deliberate or thoughtful decision process. When you choose something, you typically weigh different options, consider various factors, and make a decision based on personal judgment or preference. 'Select' implies an even higher level of care and a focus on quality or desired attributes. It involves deciding on an option based on specific criteria or requirements and for a specific purpose. Furthermore, 'pick' is a rather informal verb, often used in conversational styles; while 'choose' is a more neutral option, and 'select' is more formal and is often used in professional context. Compare the examples:
She asked her friend to
The students were allowed to
The art gallery curator
Grammatical Difference
Out of these three verbs, 'choose' is the only one that can be used intransitively as well as transitively. 'Pick' and 'select' always need an object and cannot be used intransitively. Take a look at the examples:
The menu was so extensive that I struggled to
'Choose' as an intransitive verb
She carefully
'Choose' as a transitive verb, 'her' words' is the object of the verb
He
'a book' is the object of the verb 'pick'.
The chef
'the freshest ingredients' is the object of the verb 'select'.