it picks up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it picks up" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is gaining momentum, improving, or becoming more active. Example: "The conversation started off slow, but it picks up once everyone gets comfortable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The nearer Guinn's biography draws to its central horror, the more it picks up speed.

The Guardian - Books

It picks up again.

The Guardian - Books

When it picks up, they have more.

The New Yorker

"It picks up the invisible.

The New York Times

But it picks up momentum.

The New York Times - Arts

If it picks up, I have your number".

The New York Times

It picks up all seven NOAA frequencies, not 11.

The New York Times

"It picks up better" than the brush tool, she said.

The New York Times

It picks up no moral weight as it rolls along.

The New York Times - Books

Either it picks up soon or it quickly unravels".

The New York Times

On rare occasions it picks up small mutations.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it picks up" when you want to convey that something is gaining momentum, improving, or becoming more active. Ensure the context clearly indicates what 'it' refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "it picks up" without a clear antecedent for 'it'. Readers should easily understand what "it" refers to in the sentence. Always provide context or clarity to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it picks up" functions as a verb phrase within a sentence, often serving to indicate a change in state or action. Ludwig examples show it used to describe increases in momentum, reception of signals, or resumption of activity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it picks up" is a versatile verb phrase used to indicate an increase in something, such as speed or intensity, or the act of collecting something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. As the Ludwig examples demonstrate, the phrase is commonly found in news and media, wiki and science sources. When using the phrase, ensure that the antecedent of 'it' is clear to avoid confusion. Alternative phrases include "it gains momentum" and "it improves". Overall, "it picks up" is a valuable addition to one's writing vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it gains momentum

Focuses specifically on the increase in speed or force.

it accelerates

Emphasizes an increase in speed and rate of progress.

it improves

Highlights the enhancement in quality or condition.

it gathers speed

Similar to gaining momentum, but may imply a more gradual increase.

it collects

Focuses on the accumulation or gathering of items or information.

it retrieves

Implies finding and bringing something back.

it detects

Highlights the discovery or recognition of something not previously noticed.

it receives

Emphasizes the act of getting or being given something.

it acquires

Stresses the obtaining or gaining possession of something.

it absorbs

Highlights the process of taking something in, like information or energy.

FAQs

How can I use "it picks up" in a sentence?

You can use "it picks up" to describe an increase in momentum, like "The book starts slow, but "it picks up" in the second half". It can also mean that something is collected, such as "The antenna "it picks up" radio signals".

What's a good alternative to "it picks up"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "it gains momentum", "it improves", or "it accelerates".

When is it appropriate to use "it picks up"?

"It picks up" is suitable when describing something that increases in speed, intensity, or volume or when referring to the act of collecting or receiving something. For example, "The storm "it picks up" strength over the ocean" or "The sensor "it picks up" faint signals".

What does "it picks up" mean?

"It picks up" can have multiple meanings, including an increase in speed or intensity, or the act of collecting or receiving something. The precise meaning depends on the context. For instance, a story might "it picks up" pace, or a device might "it picks up" a signal.