I picked up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I picked up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of collecting or acquiring something, either physically or metaphorically. Example: "After work, I picked up some groceries on my way home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I picked up Bruno's.

The New Yorker

I picked up Rose.

The New Yorker

Gradually I picked up tricks.

The New York Times - Travel

I picked up a tube.

The New Yorker

I picked up Laura's hand.

The New Yorker

"I picked up a client.

The New York Times

I picked up my menu.

The New Yorker

I picked up my book.

The New Yorker

I picked up on clues.

The New York Times - Books

I picked up another card.

The New Yorker

I picked up an envelope.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I picked up" when you want to convey the action of physically taking something, learning something informally, or acquiring information quickly.

Common error

Avoid using "I picked up" in highly formal writing where a more sophisticated term like "acquired" or "obtained" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I picked up" primarily functions as a verb phrase. Ludwig's examples show it is used to describe the action of taking something physically, acquiring knowledge or skills, or collecting someone or something. The core function involves the subject ('I') performing the action of 'picking up'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I picked up" is a very common and versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of taking something physically, acquiring knowledge or skills, or collecting someone or something. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable, primarily in News & Media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's best to avoid overuse in highly formal writing where more sophisticated alternatives may be more appropriate. The frequency and broad applicability, along with the grammatically correct form, make it a reliable choice for various communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I acquired

Focuses on the act of gaining possession or learning something.

I obtained

Highlights the process of getting something, often through effort.

I retrieved

Emphasizes the act of getting something back or finding it.

I grabbed

Suggests a quick and informal action of taking something.

I collected

Implies gathering multiple items or pieces.

I gathered

Similar to 'collected', but can also mean to infer or understand.

I understood

Refers to grasping an idea or concept.

I learned

Highlights the process of gaining knowledge or a skill.

I took

A general term for acquiring or receiving something.

I chose

Focuses on the selection of something from multiple options.

FAQs

What does "I picked up" mean?

The phrase "I picked up" generally means to take hold of something and lift it, or to acquire something, like a skill or information. It can also mean to collect someone or something.

What can I say instead of "I picked up"?

You can use alternatives like "I acquired", "I obtained", or "I retrieved" depending on the context.

Is "I picked up on" the same as "I picked up"?

No, "I picked up on" means to notice or become aware of something, while "I picked up" generally refers to physically taking something or acquiring something tangible or intangible.

How do I use "I picked up" in a sentence?

Use "I picked up" to describe the action of taking something, learning something, or collecting something. For example, "I picked up the book from the table" or "I picked up some Spanish while traveling".