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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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being picked up

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"being picked up" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
Example: The lost puppy was wimpering in the street, hoping to be picked up by its owner.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The closest I got to Syrians was telling asylum seekers where they were being picked up.

News & Media

The Guardian

These snakes are strong and may react violently to being picked up.

Because they don't, they have a better chance of being picked up.

News & Media

Los Angeles Times

Mr. P is a very mellow fellow and does not mind being picked up.

News & Media

Los Angeles Times

This will increase your chances of being picked up.

Get your hamster used to being picked up.

Some cats simply do not like being picked up.

Work on this to get it used to being picked up.

Keep track of how fast your newspapers are being picked up.

This will give you the greatest likelihood of being picked up.

People are being picked up".

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add more clarity specify who is doing the picking up (the agent) to avoid ambiguity: 'The garbage is being picked up by the sanitation department.'

Common error

Ensure that when using "being picked up", the context clearly indicates who or what is performing the action, even if it's implied. Omitting this can lead to vagueness or misinterpretation.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being picked up" primarily functions as part of a passive construction, indicating that the subject is receiving the action rather than performing it. Ludwig AI provides examples illustrating this usage in various contexts, such as objects being collected or individuals being selected.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "being picked up" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject is the recipient of an action, such as selection, retrieval, or acquisition. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it's widely used across varied contexts, primarily in news, media, and wiki sources. When writing, ensure clarity by specifying who or what is performing the action. Alternative phrases like "getting chosen" or "being selected" can offer subtle differences in meaning. Given its frequency and versatility, understanding "being picked up" is essential for effective communication.

FAQs

How can I use "being picked up" in a sentence?

The phrase "being picked up" is used to describe the action of someone or something being lifted, chosen, or acquired by someone else. For example, "The garbage is "being picked up" by the truck" or "The TV series is "being picked up" by a major network".

What's the difference between "being picked up" and "being selected"?

"Being picked up" can imply a more general or informal action of acquiring or lifting something, whereas "being selected" suggests a more deliberate or formal choice from a range of options. The best option depends on the specific context.

What are some alternatives to using "being picked up"?

Depending on the specific context, you can use phrases like "getting chosen", "being recruited", or "being gathered" to convey similar meanings.

Is "being picked up" grammatically correct?

Yes, "being picked up" is grammatically correct. It is a passive construction that uses the present participle "being" with the past participle "picked up" to describe an action that is being done to someone or something.

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Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: