able to pick up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase “able to pick up” is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone’s ability to understand and learn something quickly. For example, "Joe is a quick learner; he was able to pick up the new program in a short amount of time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And students were able to pick up on that.

Yale University

Hopefully, we should be able to pick up more".

Independent

I should have been able to pick up mine also.

The New York Times - Sports

So our [INAUDIBLE] algorithm is able to pick up those events.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He thought that phase contrast might be able to pick up the writing.

The New Yorker

"Less able to pick up a door, but maybe able to perform other tasks".

The New York Times - Science

Does that mean people will be able to pick up the objects?

The New York Times

Mobile phones, he believes, should be able to pick up the presence of sensors.

The Economist

A highly uncommon name is something that current software technology may be able to pick up.

Independent

After all, she will always be able to pick up and leave.

The New York Times - Books

"We want you to be able to pick up anything, anywhere".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "able to pick up" in your writing, ensure the context is clear, specifying what is being picked up, whether it's a physical object, a skill, or information. This prevents ambiguity and enhances clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "able to pick up" without specifying what the subject is able to pick up. Overgeneralization can lead to confusion. For example, instead of saying 'He was able to pick up,' specify 'He was able to pick up the new software quickly'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to pick up" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the capacity or ability to perform an action. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and widely used. The examples show this action can be physical (lifting objects) or cognitive (learning skills).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "able to pick up" is a versatile verb phrase used to express the capacity or ability to perform an action, whether physical, cognitive, or perceptive. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. Examples showcase its presence in diverse contexts, from News & Media to Academia and Science. Alternatives like "capable of grasping" or "competent to gather" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. When using "able to pick up", ensure you provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity and maintain clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of grasping

Focuses more on understanding an idea or concept, rather than a physical action.

competent to gather

Implies having the necessary skills or qualifications to collect something.

in a position to collect

Highlights the circumstances that allow for collecting something.

fit to retrieve

Emphasizes the suitability or readiness to fetch something.

prepared to acquire

Indicates readiness and willingness to obtain something, whether physical or abstract.

have the capacity to learn

Highlights the capability to acquire knowledge or skills.

skilled at discerning

Focuses on the ability to recognize or perceive subtle differences or details.

adept at noticing

Highlights skill in observing and becoming aware of something.

qualified to assume

Implies having the necessary qualifications or authorization to take on a responsibility or role.

ready to shoulder

Emphasizes preparedness and willingness to take on a burden or responsibility.

FAQs

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

You can use "able to pick up" to describe someone's capacity to learn a new skill, retrieve an object, or detect a signal. For example: "She was "able to pick up" the guitar quickly" or "The antenna was "able to pick up" the faintest signals".

What are some alternatives to "able to pick up"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "capable of grasping" (for understanding), "competent to gather" (for collecting), or "fit to retrieve" (for fetching).

Is it correct to say "able to pick up on" instead of "able to pick up"?

Yes, "able to pick up on" is a valid variation. It typically implies noticing or detecting something subtle or less obvious. For instance, "She's "able to pick up" on small details" means she notices minor things.

What is the difference between "able to pick up" and "willing to pick up"?

"Able to pick up" refers to the capacity or capability to do something, while "willing to pick up" indicates a readiness or willingness to perform the action. "He was "able to pick up" the heavy box" means he had the strength, while "He was "willing to pick up" the heavy box" means he volunteered to do it.