once picked up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "once picked up" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to an idea or concept that has been accepted or understood by a person. For example, "Once picked up, the idea of using the computer to keep track of inventory spread quickly throughout the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

I don't know if Rick ever once picked up the phone to request a meeting".

The New York Times

Akon, for example, once picked up and threw an audience member at a concert.

The New Yorker

I was once picked up by the police on Fatty Arbuckle's front lawn.

The Guardian - Film

Larry Rivers, the painter, once picked up his saxophone and surprised students with an unexpected riff.

The New York Times - Arts

(Mr. Printz said his wife once picked up the phone to hear: "This is Lenny.

The New York Times

He once picked up the box from a frozen meal Mr. Davis was eating to check the ingredients.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

I remember once picking up Derek from Barts, and driving down the A21 to Washfield Nursery en route to Prospect Cottage.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Their leading striker, meanwhile, mustered seven shots in the group stages and hit the target just once, picking up the lowest rating of any player in the team to play at least 90 minutes (6.09).

The Guardian - Sport

I remember once picking up Derek from Barts, and as we drove down the A21 to Washfield nursery, he told me how he was becoming progressively blind...and it would not be long before all his sight was lost.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He recalls once picking up a guy in Sacramento who was "playing Manson-type mental games.

Vice

Once I picked up a man who was thumbing near a broken-down car in a snowstorm on Christmas Eve.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "once picked up", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being picked up, whether it's a physical object, an idea, or a signal. Clarity is key to effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "once picked up" when an active voice would be clearer and more direct. For instance, instead of "Once picked up, the book was read," consider "After picking up the book, she read it" for a more engaging sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "once picked up" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating the timing or condition under which an action occurs. Ludwig provides examples of its usage in various contexts, confirming its proper grammatical role.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

12%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "once picked up" is a grammatically sound and relatively common verb phrase used to indicate a sequence of events, where the act of picking something up precedes another action or state. Ludwig AI confirms this. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register making it suitable for various writing styles. Related phrases like "upon being collected" offer similar meanings with subtle differences. Remember to use the phrase with clarity and be mindful of passive voice constructions for a stronger writing impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon being collected

Emphasizes the moment of retrieval rather than the act itself.

after getting taken

Highlights the action of being taken, implying a passive reception.

following acquisition

Emphasizes the gaining of possession.

once it was grabbed

More informal, emphasizing the quickness of the action.

on being retrieved

Highlights the action of recovering something.

subsequent to retrieval

Focuses on the time frame following the act of picking up.

after being selected

Highlights the choice or selection process.

after its procurement

Focuses on the formal acquisition or obtaining of something.

following selection

Similar to after being selected, but slightly more formal.

post-collection

A concise term indicating the period after the item has been collected.

FAQs

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

You can use "once picked up" to describe the state of something after it has been lifted or acquired. For example, "Once picked up, the scent of lavender filled the room" or "Once picked up by the media, the story spread rapidly".

What's a good alternative to "once picked up"?

Alternatives include phrases like "upon being collected", "after getting taken", or "following acquisition" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "one time picked up" instead of "once picked up"?

While "one time" can sometimes replace "once" in other contexts, it doesn't work well with "picked up". "Once picked up" is the more idiomatic and grammatically sound choice in this phrase.

What does "once picked up" imply about the subsequent action?

"Once picked up" implies that the action of picking up is a prerequisite for the following event. It creates a sense of temporal sequence or conditionality.