freedom of choice

  • 選ばれたのは綾鷹でした

https://youtu.be/XCjomqoLYw8?si=jHaXNzwh7jjlk0ah

というCMが話題になって久しいですが、この「選ぶ」「選ばれる」に対応する英語表現は、学習の発達段階を考慮し、運用で適切に使い分けるためにも、一度きちんと整理した方がいいと思っています。

大学入試で頻出とされる「選ぶ」に対応する英語表現では

  • pick out

を思いつく人が多いでしょう。
日本語のカタカナ語の「ピックアップ」をそのままスライドさせてpick up を選ぶと間違えるように問題が作られているか、同意語としてchoose やselectなどとの互換が問われることが多い印象です。
ソーシャルメディアなどWEBで得られるお手軽な情報を見ていてもそんなのばっかりでしょ？

入試での出題例としても、pick outって「頻出」というほど実際に出ているのかちょっと疑問。
「車で迎えに行く」以外の、pick upの多義具合を理解しておく方がよっぽどご利益があると思います。

個人的にはそれほど頻出とも思えないpick outの出題例を見てみると、

Kate picked ( ) five beautiful peaches.
で、chose (=choose)の過去形と同意となるように、空所にoutを選ばせる出題

She picked out the shoes that matched the dress.
で pick(ed) out の同意語として chose (chooseの過去形)を選ばせる出題

She picked out the shoes that match the dress.
でpick(ed) outの同意語として select(ed)を選ばせる出題

Cathy picked out a good book to give to her brother as a graduation gift.
でpick(ed) outの同意語としてselect(ed)を選ばせる出題

などでパターンは出尽くしている感じ。
普段から英語を使っている人が話したり、書いたりする英語では当然のことながらpick up と言い間違える、書き間違えることはまずないわけで、ことさら「ピックアップ」を持ち出すこと自体が悪手なのでは、とさえ思います。

私が気になるのはむしろ、同意語とされるchooseやselectとの使い分けと、そもそも動詞のpickに「選ぶ；選び出す」という意味がある筈で、単独のpickと句動詞のpick outの使い分けです。

語義の確認といえば『英語表現辞典』（研究社、第2版、1985年）ですね。以下pp.216-217のchooseとその類語より抜粋で引用。

Choose (選ぶ)は一般的な語・物・人・コースなどで若干の選択の可能性のあるものの中から選んで決めたものを実際に取ることを意味するときにその決定が最終的な行為であることが含意される : choose one (from) among (or out of) many (多くの中からひとつを選ぶ) / There are only five to choose from. (選ぶものは5つしかない)/ There's nothing (not much or little) to choose between them. (あまり大差はない)/ They choose him as (or to be) their president. (彼を会長に選んだ)/ He was chosen (as) president. (彼は会長に選ばれた) / He cannot choose but obey. (彼は, 従わざるを得ない). 不定詞を従えて prefer, decide と同意となることもある: I would choose to live his life. (彼のような人生を送りたいものだ)/ He chose not to know. (彼は知るまいと決心した)
（中略）
Pick は個人的な理由, 通例好みや希望などに従って注意して選び出す意味を表わし、select よりもくだけた, 形式ばらない語である: pick a good one out of the lot (全体の中からよいのを選ぶ) / pick one's words (言葉づかいに気をつける) / pick one's way (or steps) along a muddy road (どろんこ道を足もとに気をつけて歩く) | pick a number from 1 to 10 (1から10までの中の任意の数を選ぶ) | Pick out the books that you'd like to read. (読みたい本をよりなさい).
（中略）
Select は、 ある物がもっとも目的にかなっているためにそれを選ぶことを示し,慎重にえり抜くという意味合いがあり, choose よりも選択範囲が広くかつ強い語である。 しばしばfor, among, out of や不定詞を伴う: select the date (日取りを決める) / select the best book for reading (読書にもっともよい本を選ぶ) / select a toy for a child (子供におもちゃを選んでやる) / select the best among (or out of) many works (多数の中から最優秀作品を選ぶ)/ select the chairman by vote (議長を投票で選ぶ) / I was selected to make a speech. (私は選ばれて演説した).

同意語・類義語の確認でお世話になってきた「父上本」による労作、

  • 上本佐一　『英語同意語小辞典』（研究社、1970年）

の pp82-83より抜粋で引用。

choose 選ぶ： 通例、自分が好む好まないにかかわらず、あるものを最良 [最適] と判断して決定する。
select 同種の多数の中から、もっとも好むものを一つ [二つ以上] 慎重に選び出す。chooseよりも意味の強い語。
pick 通例、有形のものを、人の好みや希望にしたがって注意して選（よ）り出す。selectほど形式ばらない語。pick out the best book 一番良い本を選び出す。
single out 多数の人 [物] の中から一人 [一物] を選り出す。 I singled her out of the applicants. 志願者の中から彼女を選んだ。

1970年以前の英語で編まれた「父上本」の『小辞典』で句動詞のsingle outを入れていたのは意外でした。

私のそもそもの問いの

pick
pick out
choose
select

の使い分けに関しては、句動詞のpick out を含めた類語の扱いが教材にも辞書にも殆ど見られないので、自分で探ってみるしかないのかな、と思います。

まず、他動詞としてのpickの語義や生息域を押さえることが大事でしょう。
「物書堂」では引けない辞書から引用します。
マクミランの米語上級学習者版(MED)でのpick

to choose someone or something from a group:

  • Out of all the girls he could have gone out with, he picked me.
  • She was picked for the school play.
  • I haven’t picked my team yet for the new project.


MW’sの学習用でのpick

to choose or select (someone or something) from a group

  • Pick a card---any card.
  • The winner will be picked by lottery.
  • She was picked to replace the retiring CEO.
  • Who do you think he will pick as/for his running mate?
  • He picked the blue tie to wear to the interview.
  • He picked the right/wrong answer.
  • They both picked New York to win the World Series. [= they both said that they thought the New York team would win the World Series]

LDOCEでのpick

to choose a person or thing, for example because they are the best or most suitable:

  • Students have to pick three courses from a list of 15.
  • I don’t know which colour to pick.
  • Who’s going to pick the team for the match on Saturday?
  • I wasn’t picked for the hockey team.
  • The hotel was picked as the best small hotel in the area.

Cambridge でのpick

to take some things and leave others:

  • Pick a card from a pack.
  • One of my sisters has been picked for the Olympic team.
  • The police asked him if he could pick (out) the killer from a series of photos.
  • He’s brilliant at picking winners ( = choosing what will be successful).

Cambridgeの最後から2例目のカッコ付きが気になりますよね？その他の例では互換不能で、この例だけが互換可能なのか？違いがあるとしたらそれは何か？
辞書や語法書、学参ってそういうところで有益な情報を与えてほしいと思います。

pick out の用例を抜き出してみましょう。

Have you picked out a dress for the party? （MED）
It took him an hour to pick out [=pick] what to wear.
They let their two-year-old daughter pick out her own clothes.
I’ve picked out the perfect spot for our picnic. (以上MW’s)
She picked out a navy blue dress. (LDOCE)
I have been picked out to represent the whole team.
There are so many great newscasters it’s difficult to pick one out. (以上COBUILD)
She was picked out from dozens of applicants for the job.
He was picked out as the best player. (以上OALD)
She picked out a pink shirt for me to try on.
Over 200 people applied for the job and we had to pick out eight to interview. （以上Cambridge句動詞辞典）

MW’sの用例の一つには pick outをpickの意味で読みなさい、という＝がついていますが、その他の例では、そのように読み替えることが出来るのか、出来ないのか、というところがよくわかりません。

「物は試し」で生成系AIに投げ掛けてみることにしました。

まず、日常、インフォーマル／カジュアルな場面を想定して、

1. In the morning, I get up and pick clothes to wear myself.
2. 1. In the morning, I get up and pick out clothes to wear myself.
3. 1. In the morning, I get up and choose clothes to wear myself.
4. 1. In the morning, I get up and select clothes to wear myself.
の4つの表現は、全て同じ意味となるか？
これらの表現を選択する人が頭の中で何をどう考えているか推測できるか？
4つの表現の使用頻度の高低、自然さでの上下が分かれば教えて。

と投げ掛けてみた回答です。

Copilot
Those sentences all mean the same thing in terms of the action described—getting up in the morning and deciding on clothes to wear. However, the different word choices convey subtle variations in tone and style:

1. "Pick clothes to wear myself": This feels straightforward and casual. The word "pick" is a common, everyday term.
2. "Pick out clothes to wear myself": Adding "out" can make it slightly more informal and conversational.
3. "Choose clothes to wear myself": "Choose" is a bit more formal than "pick," lending a slightly more deliberate tone.
4. "Select clothes to wear myself": "Select" is the most formal and precise of the four, giving a sense of careful consideration.

People might choose different versions based on their personal speaking style, the formality of the context, or just personal preference. As for common usage:

  • "Pick" and "choose" are more commonly used in everyday conversations.
  • "Pick out" is also quite common and feels more relaxed.
  • "Select" is less common in casual speech and is more often used in formal contexts.

Hope this helps! Which one do you find yourself leaning towards?

Gemini
You're asking about subtle differences in meaning and usage, which is a great question! Here's my take on those sentences:
Do they all mean the same?
Essentially, yes. All four sentences convey the basic action of selecting clothes to wear. However, there are slight nuances:

  • "Pick": This is the most general and informal. It implies a simple act of choosing without necessarily implying careful consideration.
  • "Pick out": The addition of "out" emphasizes the act of separating the chosen clothes from the rest. It suggests a slightly more deliberate selection.
  • "Choose": This is a more formal and neutral term. It implies a conscious decision-making process.
  • "Select": This is the most formal and implies a careful and considered choice, often from a larger set of options.

What's going on in their mind?
It's hard to say for sure, but here are some possible interpretations:

  • Someone who says "pick" might be someone who doesn't spend much time thinking about their outfit. They grab something and go.
  • Someone who says "pick out" might be slightly more thoughtful, perhaps considering factors like matching colors or weather.
  • Someone who says "choose" might be more deliberate in their selection, perhaps considering the occasion or their personal style.
  • Someone who says "select" might be very meticulous about their appearance, perhaps choosing from a wide wardrobe or for a special event.

Most/least common and natural?
In everyday spoken English, I'd say:

  • Most common and natural: "Pick out" is probably the most common and natural way to express this idea in casual conversation. "Pick" is also very common.
  • Less common/more formal: "Choose" is slightly less common in this specific context, though perfectly acceptable. "Select" is the least common and sounds the most formal or deliberate.

In summary: While all four sentences are grammatically correct and convey the same basic meaning, they differ slightly in formality and the degree of deliberation they imply. "Pick out" strikes a good balance between informality and clarity, making it likely the most common choice in everyday speech.

Claude

1. Yes, all four expressions essentially mean the same thing - describing the morning routine of selecting clothing. The slight variations reflect different nuances:

2. Word choice analysis:

  • "pick" is casual and straightforward
  • "pick out" emphasizes the selection process more deliberately
  • "choose" sounds more formal and thoughtful
  • "select" is the most formal and precise of the options

3. Common usage:

  • Most natural: "pick out" and "choose" are most commonly used in this context
  • Less common: "select" feels more formal for daily routine description
  • "pick" alone, while correct, feels slightly less specific than "pick out"

4. The choice often reflects the speaker's mindset:

  • Casual conversation: "pick"
  • Discussing a specific outfit selection: "pick out"
  • Making a conscious decision: "choose"
  • Formal or professional context: "select"

さあ、彼らの回答をどう解釈し、受け入れますか？

次はちょっと別な場面を想定して同じ質問。

1. Ohtani picked the Dodgers as the team he should belong to.
2. Ohtani picked out the Dodgers as the team he should belong to.
3. Ohtani chose the Dodgers as the team he should belong to.
4. Ohtani selected the Dodgers as the team he should belong to.

以下、彼らの回答です。

Claude
Based on the search results, while all these expressions convey similar meanings, there are important differences:

  • 1. "Chose" is the most natural and commonly used expression, as evidenced by Ohtani's own words: "I had to choose one team, and the Dodgers were my choice".
  • 2. "Selected" is also formal and appropriate but feels more methodical and analytical.
  • 3. "Picked" is more casual and implies a more spontaneous decision.
  • 4."Picked out" is the least natural in this context - it's typically used for choosing items from a display or selection, not for major career decisions.

The choice of words might reflect the speaker's perception of the decision-making process. Ohtani's actual use of "choose" aligns with the thoughtful, humble approach demonstrated in his interviews.

Gemini
The sentences all convey the same basic meaning: Ohtani selected the Dodgers as his preferred team. However, there are subtle differences in nuance:

  • "Picked" is the most casual and informal of the options. It suggests a simple choice, perhaps made quickly or without much deliberation.
  • "Picked out" implies a more careful selection, as if Ohtani considered several options before choosing the Dodgers.
  • "Chose" is a neutral and common word for making a selection. It doesn't imply any particular level of care or -deliberation.
  • "Selected" is the most formal and deliberate of the options. It suggests a conscious and thoughtful decision-making process.

In terms of naturalness and frequency:

  • "Chose" is likely the most common and natural in this context.
  • "Selected" might sound slightly stilted or overly formal for casual conversation.
  • "Picked" and "picked out" are both acceptable, with "picked out" slightly more nuanced.

The choice of which word to use might also depend on the speaker's personal style and the overall tone of the conversation.

Copilot
The sentences all convey the idea of Ohtani deciding on the Dodgers as the team he should join, but there are subtle differences in their usage and tone:

Here’s a breakdown:

  • Picked: Informal and casual. It suggests a simple act of choosing without much deliberation.
  • Picked out: Slightly more specific than "picked," emphasizing the act of distinguishing and choosing from a group.
  • Chose: Neutral and versatile. It suggests a deliberate decision but is still casual.
  • Selected: Formal and suggests a careful and considered decision-making process.

In terms of naturalness and commonality:

  • Most common and natural: "Chose" and "picked" are more likely to be used in everyday conversation due to their simplicity and versatility.
  • Less common but still natural: "Selected" might be used in formal contexts, such as official announcements or news articles.
  • Least common and somewhat less natural: "Picked out" is less frequently used, and can sound a bit awkward in casual conversation.

The choice of words can reflect how the speaker wants to convey the decision-making process, the level of formality, and the speaker's style.

I hope this helps! Is there a specific context you have in mind for these sentences?

「自分で自分が着る服を選ぶ」場合と、「大谷選手が自分に相応しいチームを選ぶ」場合で結構差がでてきたように感じます。

続いてもう一つ投げ掛けてみました。

1. Ohtani was picked as the best player.
2. Ohtani was picked out as the best player.
3. Ohtani was chosen as the best player.
4. Ohtani was selected as the best player.

受け身 での判断です。
以下、彼らの回答。

Claude
Based on the search results about Ohtani
1. All four expressions essentially convey the same core meaning - that Ohtani was identified as the best player. However, there are subtle nuances:

2. Usage nuances:

  • "picked" - casual, everyday language
  • "picked out" - implies careful selection from multiple options
  • "chosen" - more formal, dignified choice
  • "selected" - most formal, often used in official announcements

3. Frequency of use: Most common → least common:

  • 1. "selected as" (most formal and widely used)
  • 2. "chosen as" (formal but versatile)
  • 3. "picked as" (casual)
  • 4. "picked out as" (least common, slightly awkward)

Gemini
All four sentences convey a similar meaning, but with slightly different nuances:

  • "Ohtani was picked as the best player." This is the most common and neutral option. It simply states that Ohtani was selected as the best.
  • "Ohtani was picked out as the best player." This suggests a more deliberate or careful selection process. The "out" implies a separation or distinction from others.
  • "Ohtani was chosen as the best player." This is very similar to "picked" but perhaps slightly more formal or deliberate.
  • "Ohtani was selected as the best player." This is also a formal and neutral option, often used in official contexts.

Frequency:

  • "Picked as" is likely the most common in everyday conversation.
  • "Chosen as" and "selected as" are more frequent in formal settings or written contexts.
  • "Picked out as" is probably the least common of the four.

Subtle Differences in Meaning:

  • "Picked" is the most general and straightforward.
  • "Picked out" emphasizes the act of identifying and choosing Ohtani specifically.
  • "Chosen" implies a more deliberate and thoughtful decision.
  • "Selected" suggests a more formal or official process.

In summary: While all four sentences are grammatically correct and convey the same basic idea, the choice of verb can subtly influence the perceived tone and emphasis.

Copilot
They are quite close in meaning, with some subtle nuances in choice of wording:

  • 1. Picked: Casual and straightforward. It suggests an informal selection process, often used in everyday conversation.
  • 2. Picked out: Emphasizes the act of distinguishing or identifying from a group. It can suggest a bit more effort in the selection process, though still relatively informal.
  • 3. Chosen: Slightly more formal. Implies a decision made with consideration.
  • 4. Selected: The most formal. It can suggest a meticulous, often official or structured, selection process.

What's going on in their mind?:

  • Someone using "picked" or "picked out" might be thinking in a more casual or conversational tone.
  • "Chosen" suggests a bit more deliberation.
  • "Selected" might convey the idea of an official, careful decision.

As for common usage, it often depends on context and setting:

  • Picked and chosen might be the most common in casual conversation.
  • Selected is frequently used in formal contexts or writing.
  • Picked out is less common but used to emphasize the selection process.

So if you're trying to understand the intent behind the choice, it's all about the degree of formality and the nuance of how deliberate the selection process feels.
Isn't language fascinating?

なかなか興味深い情報が寄せられたのではないでしょうか？
生成系AI三者の回答が全ていつも正しいとは限りません。

  • The choice is yours!

ただ、入試であれ小テストであれ、単純な一般化で　＝　で書き換え、言い換えてお終い、とするのがいかに危険かを分かってもらえれば、このエントリーを書いた甲斐があるというものです。

よりよい英語表現で、よりよい英語学習＆英語指導＆評価、ですね。

本日はこの辺で。
本日のBGM：　選択　（寺尾紗穂）

open.spotify.com

追記：
pick やpick out の同義・類義として

  • single out

を示している辞書や教材もあるようですが、語義や生息域は精査が必要だと思います。

  • 「主として称賛や批判の対象として」選び出すとしているものは、「主として」があるとはいえ、少々制約を狭め過ぎという印象。

恐らくはCambridge系の辞書の定義に依拠しているのではないかと思いますが、Cambridgeの句動詞辞典の定義はそれこそsingled out されているのでは？

  • to choose one person or thing from a large group in order to criticize or praise them

CambridgeのAdvancedの辞書の方の定義を見るともう少し柔軟。

  • to choose one person or thing from a group for special attention, especially criticism or praise

OALDの語義も

  • to choose somebody/something from a group for special attention

と目的に関してはやや広めとなっています。

少し古いですが、Oxfordの句動詞辞典では、

  • choose, pick (one person/thing) from among several for special comment, treatment etc.

とあり、目的語の典型例として、

  • assistant, companion; victim, prey; incident, event

をあげています。

Oxfordの類語辞典では、chooseのグループにsingle outを含めていますが、このグループに pick outは入っていません。single outの定義はOALDと同じで、

  • to choose sb/sth from a group for special attention

です。

LDOCEの定義は簡明。

  • to choose one person or thing from among a group because they are better, worse, more important etc than the others

MW’s の学習用の定義は一味違います。

  • to treat or to speak about (someone or something in a group) in a way that is different from the way you treat or speak about others

COBUILDでは、句動詞辞典の方の定義の最後、＝　での置き換えが気になりました、

  • If you single someone or something out, you choose them from a group for special attention or treatment. = pick out

とあり、同意の英語表現として pick outをあげています。いつでも、どんな目的語でも互換可能なのかは精査が必要でしょう。

多くの辞書で、"special attention or treatment"　と定義づけている背景には、プラスマイナス様々な名詞を想定していることがあるでしょう。

"Under these new guidelines, almost every American Muslim who travels to see family or friends or goes on pilgrimage to Mecca will automatically be singled out for special security checks -- that's profiling," said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. "While singling out travelers based on religion and national origin may make some people feel safer, it only serves to alienate and stigmatize Muslims and does nothing to improve airline security."
www.govexec.com
「これらの新しいガイドラインの下では、家族や友人に会いに旅行するほぼすべてのアメリカのムスリムやメッカへの巡礼に行く人々が、自動的に特別なセキュリティチェックの対象として選り分けられることになります。これはプロファイリングです」とCAIRの全国執行ディレクター、ニハド・アワドは述べました。「宗教や国籍に基づいて旅行者を特定し選別することは、一部の人々に安全感を与えるかもしれませんが、ムスリムを疎外し、スティグマを与えるだけで、航空会社のセキュリティを改善することには何の役にも立ちません。」

ここでのsingle out は recognize/identify の意味も含まれているでしょう。それであっても、良くも悪くもspecial treatmentであることがわかります。
某熟語集で、似たような用例がありましたが、和訳は補足修正が必要だと感じました。