he picks himself up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'he picks himself up' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone is getting back on their feet after a setback or failure. For example: After receiving a rejection letter from the college he was hoping to attend, he picks himself up, determined to try again.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Recovering, he picks himself up and lays more charm over the hurt, like a kid holding a steak to a black eye.

The New Yorker

Pressed on whether Osborne could still be prime minister, Allen said: "Sometimes the strength of a man is how he picks himself up from a fall.

The Guardian

He picks himself up when he falls, and tries again.

HuffPost

Instead, he picks himself up, staggers a bit and deadpans, "So, that happened".

Huffington Post

Other footage showed Morris briefly grab the agent's throat moments after he picks himself up off the ground.

Vice

So far, the steam coming out of Tom Brady's ears as he picks himself up off the turf isn't a good sign.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

He picked himself up and finished fifth.

The New York Times - Sports

He ran, he stumbled, he picked himself up again.

The New York Times - Sports

But he picked himself up and became successful again.

The New York Times

But every time his career tumbled, he picked himself up.

The New York Times - Sports

When he picked himself up, he saw Mr. Fukai running away.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he picks himself up" to illustrate resilience and the ability to recover from failures or difficult situations. This phrase is best suited for contexts where the subject has faced a tangible setback.

Common error

Avoid using "he picks himself up" in trivial situations or when describing minor inconveniences. The phrase implies a significant challenge overcome, so reserve it for contexts where the effort to recover is substantial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he picks himself up" primarily functions as a verbal phrase indicating an action of recovery or resilience. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, showcasing its role in describing someone overcoming adversity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he picks himself up" is a grammatically sound and readily understood expression that signifies recovery and resilience after facing adversity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While it appears most frequently in "News & Media", lending it a neutral tone, it's essential to use this phrase thoughtfully, reserving it for situations where a genuine effort to overcome a setback is evident. Alternatives such as "he recovers" or "he bounces back" offer nuanced variations in meaning, allowing for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he gets up again

A more literal and simple way of saying he recovers from a fall or setback.

he gets back on his feet

Highlights regaining stability and independence after a fall or hardship.

he bounces back

Emphasizes a quick and energetic return to a normal state after a problem.

he rallies

Emphasizes a renewed effort or comeback after a period of weakness or decline.

he recovers

Focuses on the act of regaining strength or composure after a difficulty.

he rises above it

Suggests transcending a negative situation and maintaining a positive outlook.

he overcomes adversity

Stresses the act of successfully dealing with and conquering difficult situations.

he soldiers on

Indicates continuing with determination despite hardship.

he perseveres

Focuses on continuing despite difficulties or delays in achieving success.

he regains his composure

Highlights the act of becoming calm and in control of oneself again.

FAQs

How can I use "he picks himself up" in a sentence?

You can use "he picks himself up" to describe someone recovering from a setback. For example, "After the business failed, "he picks himself up" and started a new venture".

What are some alternatives to "he picks himself up"?

Alternatives include "he recovers", "he bounces back", or "he gets back on his feet", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "he picks himself up" grammatically correct?

Yes, "he picks himself up" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe someone recovering from a setback or failure.

What does it mean when someone "picks themself up"?

When someone "picks themself up", it means they are recovering from a difficult situation, setback, or failure, and are making an effort to move forward.