keeps picking up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keeps picking up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or trend that is continuously improving or gaining momentum over time. Example: "The sales of the new product keeps picking up as more customers discover its benefits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It keeps picking up in strength and I'm keeping close to it.

Independent

21.25 He's shouting "shut up" and has phones in his hands which he keeps picking up and putting down.

The Guardian

But the bitter wind keeps picking up confetti, along with plastic bags from souvenirs and other detritus, and swirling it back up into the sky.

The New York Times

Mestrallet keeps picking up projects as China's needs for infrastructure and pollution treatment expand.

Forbes

Regardless of how you may feel about their anthropomorphic cast of characters, Outfit7 just keeps picking up steam.

TechCrunch

But that will not apply next year - if Mascherano keeps picking up cards in the World Cup it could have a serious effect on his team's prospects.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Bowie: Because one sees a lot on -- there's one black station on television that I keep picking up.

Los Angeles Times

"The answering machine kept picking up".

The New York Times

You have to just keep picking up that phone.

The New York Times

Despite my protests, they kept picking up the tab.

The New York Times

lawyer whose hearing aid kept picking up television broadcasts.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keeps picking up", ensure the context clearly indicates what is improving or gaining momentum. This provides clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "keeps picking up" in situations where the improvement is temporary or insignificant. This phrase is best suited for describing sustained or notable progress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keeps picking up" functions as a verb phrase indicating a continuous or repetitive action of improvement or accumulation. It highlights that something is not just improving, but continues to do so, suggesting a trend or pattern. As seen in Ludwig, it's often used to describe positive developments.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keeps picking up" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a continuous improvement or increasing activity. As indicated by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and particularly common in News & Media contexts. While not overly formal, it's suitable for a range of writing styles. To maximize clarity, ensure the context clearly indicates what is improving. Consider alternatives like "is gaining momentum" or "steadily increases" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is gaining momentum

Focuses on the increasing speed or force of the progress.

is gathering pace

Similar to gaining momentum, but with a slightly more active connotation.

continues to improve

Focuses on the ongoing improvement aspect, emphasizing the positive change.

continues to rise

Emphasizes the upward trend or increase in something.

is on the upswing

Indicates a positive trend after a period of decline.

steadily increases

Highlights the gradual and consistent nature of the increase.

is making headway

Emphasizes progress despite potential obstacles.

is steadily accumulating

Combines the ideas of gradual increase and continuous accumulation.

repeatedly collects

Highlights the recurring action of gathering or accumulating something.

consistently acquires

Focuses on the continuous acquisition or obtaining of something.

FAQs

How can I use "keeps picking up" in a sentence?

You can use "keeps picking up" to describe something that is continuously improving or gaining momentum. For example, "The company's profits "keeps picking up" every quarter."

What can I say instead of "keeps picking up"?

You can use alternatives like "continues to improve", "is gaining momentum", or "steadily increases" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "keep picking up" instead of "keeps picking up"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "keep picking up" for plural subjects (e.g., "They keep picking up points"). Use "keeps picking up" for singular subjects (e.g., "The economy keeps picking up").

How is "is picking up" different from "keeps picking up"?

"Is picking up" suggests an improvement happening now, while "keeps picking up" implies a continuous and sustained improvement over time. "The wind is picking up" versus "The wind "keeps picking up" throughout the day".