← Back to lessons
A2At the Pet Shop

Picking Out Pets at the Shop

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 pets.

Article

At the pet shop, many people are picking out their favourite animals today. Some customers are picking out puppies, while others are picking out kittens. The shop assistant is helping a family who is picking out a small bird. Everyone is looking carefully because they want to pick out the perfect pet. The children are picking out colourful fish for their aquarium. Some people are even picking out pet food and toys while they are choosing their pets. Right now, the shop is busy because many people are picking out pets to take home. Picking out a pet is exciting, but it is important to choose carefully. The shop staff are explaining how to care for each animal while customers are picking out the right pet for their home.

Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The phrasal verb 'pick out' means to choose or select something from a group.

Grammar Note

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

Usage Tips

  • Use 'pick out' when talking about choosing something specific from several options.
  • In present continuous, always use the correct form of 'be' (am/is/are) before 'picking out'.
  • Use 'pick out' with objects like pets, clothes, or items in a shop.

Examples

I am picking out a cute puppy at the pet shop.

Choosing a puppy now

She is picking out a colourful bird for her room.

Choosing a bird now

They are picking out fish for their aquarium.

Choosing fish now

We are picking out some toys for the new kitten.

Choosing toys now

He is picking out pet food while looking at the dogs.

Choosing food now

Dialogue

Context: A family is at the pet shop, choosing their new pet.

A:
We are picking out a dog today. Which one do you like?
B:
I am picking out the brown puppy. It looks friendly.
A:
I am picking out some toys for the puppy too.
B:
The shop assistant is helping us pick out the right food.
A:
Are you picking out a collar now?
B:
Yes, I am picking out a red one. It will look nice.

Vocabulary

puppy
A young dog
Example: The puppy is playing with a ball.
Synonym: doggy
kitten
A young cat
Example: The kitten is sleeping on the sofa.
Synonym: cat baby
aquarium
A tank for keeping fish
Example: They are filling the aquarium with water.
Synonym: fish tank
toy
An object for play
Example: The dog loves his new toy.
Synonym: plaything
collar
A band worn around a pet's neck
Example: She is buying a red collar for her cat.
Synonym: neckband
food
Something that animals eat
Example: The pet shop sells special food for puppies.
Synonym: nourishment
colourful
Having many colours
Example: The bird has colourful feathers.
Synonym: bright
friendly
Kind and pleasant
Example: The puppy is very friendly with children.
Synonym: kind
assistant
A person who helps in a shop
Example: The assistant is helping customers today.
Synonym: helper
choose
To decide on something
Example: They choose a pet carefully.
Synonym: select

Tips

  • Use 'pick out' when you want to emphasise choosing something from many options.
  • Remember to use 'am', 'is', or 'are' before 'picking out' in present continuous.
  • Avoid mixing present simple and present continuous tenses in one sentence when talking about current actions.

Summary

In this lesson, you learned the meaning and use of the phrasal verb 'pick out' in the present continuous tense. You practised using it in the context of choosing pets at the pet shop. Now you can talk about selecting pets and items that are happening right now.

← Back to all lessons