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A2Shopping for Clothes

Picking Out Clothes: Present Continuous Practice

Phrasal Verb: pick out |Grammar: Present Continuous

Objective

Students will learn how to use the phrasal verb 'pick out' in the present continuous tense to talk about choosing clothes while shopping.

Article

Emma and her friend are shopping for new clothes at the mall. Emma is picking out a blue dress because she likes the colour and style. Her friend is picking out some shoes to match the dress. They are both looking carefully at many items. Emma is picking out skirts and tops now, trying to find the perfect outfit. The shop assistant is helping them by picking out some clothes that might fit well. While they are shopping, they are talking about what they like and are picking out clothes that suit their style and budget. Shopping is fun when you are picking out clothes with a friend!

Grammar Explanation

Meaning

To 'pick out' means to choose or select something from a group.

Grammar Note

The present continuous tense describes actions that are happening right now. It is formed with the verb 'to be' + verb ending in -ing (e.g., 'I am picking out').

Usage Tips

  • Use 'pick out' when talking about actively choosing something.
  • Use the present continuous to describe what is happening at the moment of speaking.
  • Remember to use the correct form of 'to be' before the verb + -ing.

Examples

I am picking out a new jacket for the winter.

Choosing a jacket now

She is picking out a shirt from the rack.

Choosing a shirt currently

They are picking out hats for the sunny day.

Selecting hats at this moment

We are picking out different colours to try on.

Choosing colours now

He is picking out a pair of jeans for the party.

Choosing jeans currently

Dialogue

Context: Two friends are shopping and choosing clothes together.

A:
What are you picking out today?
B:
I am picking out a new dress for the party this weekend.
A:
That sounds great! I am picking out some shoes to go with it.
B:
Do you like this colour? I am picking out blue because it matches my eyes.
A:
Yes, it looks perfect. I am also picking out a bag to complete the outfit.
B:
Let's try everything on and see how it looks.

Vocabulary

rack
A frame where clothes are hung for display.
Example: She is picking out a shirt from the rack.
Synonym: hanger stand
outfit
A set of clothes worn together.
Example: Emma is picking out an outfit for the party.
Synonym: clothes set
shop assistant
A person who helps customers in a shop.
Example: The shop assistant is picking out some clothes for us.
Synonym: salesperson
try on
To put on clothes to see if they fit or look good.
Example: We are trying on jackets before buying.
Synonym: test wear
selection
A group of things to choose from.
Example: There is a big selection of shirts in this store.
Synonym: choice
style
The way clothes look or are designed.
Example: She is picking out clothes in her favourite style.
Synonym: design
budget
The amount of money you plan to spend.
Example: They are picking out clothes within their budget.
Synonym: spending limit
colour
The appearance of something caused by light reflection.
Example: He is picking out a jacket in a bright colour.
Synonym: shade
pair
Two things that go together, like shoes.
Example: I am picking out a pair of shoes for the party.
Synonym: set of two
comfortable
Feeling relaxed and free from pain.
Example: She is picking out comfortable clothes for travelling.
Synonym: cozy

Tips

  • Use the present continuous to describe what you are choosing right now.
  • Remember to use 'am/is/are' + 'picking out' when speaking.
  • Don't confuse 'pick out' with 'pick up' – 'pick out' means to choose, 'pick up' means to collect or lift.

Summary

In this lesson, you learned how to use the phrasal verb 'pick out' to talk about choosing clothes. You practised using the present continuous tense to describe actions happening right now while shopping. Now you can confidently talk about picking out clothes and other items.

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