can be picked up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be picked up" is correct and can be used in written English.
Example 1: The broken glass on the floor can be picked up and thrown away. Example 2: The package can be picked up at the post office tomorrow. Example 3: The dropped pen can be picked up and the writing can continue. Example 4: The phone can be picked up to answer the call. Example 5: The children's toys can be picked up and put away before bedtime.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some can be picked up easily.

Independent

Most nonspecialized skills can be picked up on the job.

The New York Times - Magazine

It can be picked up by the shovelful.

Independent

The tags send out pulses of sound which can be picked up by undersea receivers.

The Economist

Tickets can be picked up at the museum, starting at 6 45.

The New York Times

When the job is done, they can be picked up and moved somewhere else.

The Economist

It can be picked up at hotels and restaurants, or online at k-pasa.com.

The New York Times - Travel

The carrier wave and information can be picked up by a receiver tuned to this channel.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Tickets are required for some events and can be picked up at 12 East Essex Street.

The New York Times

But he thinks skills can be picked up along the way or brought in.

The Guardian

Postwar versions can be picked up even in this country for a tenner.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be picked up", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being retrieved, acquired, or detected to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The signal can be picked up by a receiver" is more specific than "It can be picked up."

Common error

Avoid using "can be picked up" without a clear subject. Saying "Information can be picked up" is vague; specify the source or method, like "Information can be picked up from the website."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be picked up" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating the possibility or ability of something to be retrieved, acquired, or detected by someone or something. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

27%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be picked up" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to indicate the possibility of retrieval, acquisition, or detection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a standard phrase with frequent use across diverse contexts from news and scientific publications to wikis. Be mindful to provide a clear subject to ensure clarity, and consider related phrases like "is obtainable" or "can be retrieved" to diversify your writing. Avoiding ambiguity and ensuring a clear reference will enhance the effectiveness of this common phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be retrieved

Emphasizes the act of recovering something.

may be acquired

Indicates the potential to gain possession of something.

can be collected

Focuses on the gathering or accumulation of items.

can be gathered

Similar to 'can be collected', but emphasizes the act of bringing things together.

is obtainable

Focuses on the availability of something.

is accessible

Highlights the ease of reaching or obtaining something.

is available

Indicates that something is ready for use or acquisition.

is detectable

Highlights the possibility of sensing or noticing something.

may be taken

Suggests the permissibility or possibility of taking something.

might be identified

Focuses on the possibility of recognizing or determining something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "can be picked up" is used to indicate that something is able to be retrieved, learned, or detected. For instance, "Tickets "can be picked up" at the venue" or "Skills "can be picked up" through experience".

What are some alternatives to saying "can be picked up"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "can be picked up" include "is obtainable", "can be retrieved", "is detectable", or "may be acquired".

Is it correct to say "can be picked up on"?

While "can be picked up" is often used to mean 'acquired' or 'retrieved', "can be picked up on" suggests 'noticed' or 'detected'. For example, "The subtle clues "can be picked up on" by a keen observer".

What's the difference between "can be picked up" and "can pick up"?

"Can be picked up" is in the passive voice, indicating something is acted upon. "Can pick up" is in the active voice, indicating someone or something is performing the action. For example, "The package "can be picked up" by you" versus "You "can pick up" the package".