able to pick it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to pick it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone's capability or skill in selecting or choosing something. Example: "She is able to pick it out from the various options available."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was able to pick it off the post".

The New York Times - Sports

The podium celebration took place in darkness, with television cameras barely able to pick it up.

The New York Times - Sports

"But I think I've been able to pick it up pretty easily," Haynes said.

The New York Times - Sports

I'd never be able to pick it out in an identity parade.

The Guardian - Tech

But those with keen eyes might have been able to pick it out.

The New York Times

I don't regret the lighthearted tone, but I am not able to pick it up where I left off.

The New Yorker

Hopefully, since America is politically incapable of addressing this issue, someone else will be able to pick it up.

The Economist

But Gik is so distinctive that many were able to pick it out right away, for better or worse.

The Washington Post

That way you'll be able to pick it up promptly when it comes out the other end and prevent anyone else from walking away with it.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Sullinger said after the game, "When they saw blood, they attacked us, and we were not able to pick it up".

The New York Times

Why, if I think that the pen will fall right out of my fingers, and I may not be able to pick it up..

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's ability to learn a new skill, use "able to pick it up" to convey the ease and speed of learning. For instance, "He was able to pick it up quickly after a few lessons."

Common error

While "able to pick it" is grammatically correct, overuse in formal writing can make it sound less sophisticated. Consider using stronger verbs like 'can' or 'manage to' for a more impactful tone in professional documents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to pick it" functions as a descriptor of capability, indicating someone's capacity to select, identify, retrieve, or understand something. As Ludwig shows, this phrase is commonly used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Tech

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Sport

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "able to pick it" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe someone's capability to select, retrieve, or understand something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, technology, and academia. While generally neutral in tone, it leans toward informal and may benefit from more sophisticated alternatives in highly formal settings. Common related phrases include "capable of choosing it" and "able to select it". When writing, consider using "able to pick it up" to describe the ease of learning a new skill. Overuse of the phrase should be avoided in formal writing to maintain a more impactful tone. Understanding these nuances will help you use the phrase effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of choosing it

Emphasizes the capability to make a selection.

able to select it

Directly indicates the ability to select something from a group.

able to identify it

Focuses on recognizing or distinguishing something.

able to retrieve it

Highlights the capacity to get something back or recover it.

able to grasp it

Implies understanding or comprehending something.

able to discern it

Highlights the ability to perceive or recognize something subtle.

able to single it out

Focuses on the capability to distinguish something from others.

capable of spotting it

Indicates the ability to notice or detect something.

in a position to retrieve it

Highlights the situation or condition allowing retrieval.

have the capacity to take it

Focuses on the ability or power to take hold of something.

FAQs

How can I use "able to pick it" in a sentence?

You can use "able to pick it" to describe someone's capacity to select, retrieve, or understand something. For instance, "She was "able to pick it" out from a lineup" or "He was "able to pick it" up quickly."

What can I say instead of "able to pick it"?

You can use alternatives such as "capable of choosing it", "able to select it", or "able to identify it" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "able to pick it" formal or informal?

"Able to pick it" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in certain professional settings.

What does "able to pick it up" imply?

"Able to pick it up" often implies that something can be easily learned or acquired. For example, "He was "able to pick it up" in a day" suggests the task was quickly mastered.