pick it up from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pick it up from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to resuming or continuing something from a certain point or location. Example: "Let's pick it up from where we left off in our last meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

When she needed a particular work, she would swivel around in her chair and pick it up from its place in the "fan".

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Rather than hitting a small button to answer or initiate a call as you would with a Bluetooth headset the Cord Free is ready whenever you pick it up from its base.

Forbes

"I pick it up from my surroundings".

The New York Times - Books

Picky children pick it up from picky adults.

Princeton University

Because either you pick it up from a book or you prove it in one line.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"I've got friends in galleries and you pick it up from place to place.

Independent

West Nile virus is spread by mosquitoes that often pick it up from birds.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Not like the black and gold cover of The Secret History, or its weight when I picked it up from my bedside table.

Independent

He either overheard his girlfriend's work conversations, viewed her confidential documents or otherwise picked it up from her, the S.E.C. posited in its complaint.

The New York Times

"They've picked it up from everybody".

The Economist

"I picked it up from the musicians.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pick it up from", ensure the context clearly identifies the source from which something is being retrieved or learned. For instance, specify the location or person.

Common error

Avoid replacing "from" with other prepositions like "at" or "in" after "pick it up", as this alters the meaning and grammatical correctness. The correct form is always "pick it up from".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pick it up from" functions as a prepositional verb phrase. It indicates the action of retrieving something (either physically or informationally) from a specific source. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, from picking up physical items to learning concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

22%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pick it up from" is a common and versatile phrase used to indicate the retrieval or acquisition of something, whether physical or informational, from a specified source. According to Ludwig, its usage spans across various contexts, from News & Media to Academia. While generally neutral in register, it's important to use the correct preposition "from" to maintain grammatical accuracy. Alternatives like "get it from" or "acquire it from" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Considering its consistent grammatical correctness and widespread application, mastering the use of "pick it up from" enhances clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get it from

A more general and informal way of saying where something was received or learned.

take it from

Indicates receiving something, whether physical or abstract, from a person or place.

acquire it from

Focuses on obtaining something from a source, emphasizing the act of gaining possession or knowledge.

learn it from

Specifically refers to gaining knowledge or skills from a particular source.

obtain it from

Similar to acquire, but with a slightly more formal tone, highlighting the process of getting something.

resume it from

Emphasizes the act of continuing something after an interruption, starting from a specific point.

continue it from

Similar to resume, but with a slightly less formal tone.

gather it from

Suggests collecting information or items from different places to form a whole.

draw it from

Suggests extracting or deriving something, like inspiration or conclusions, from a source.

derive it from

Similar to 'draw it from', implying a process of obtaining something as a result of something else.

FAQs

How can I use "pick it up from" in a sentence?

You can use "pick it up from" to indicate retrieving something from a place or source, such as "I'll pick the package up from the post office" or to indicate learning something, such as "I "picked it up from" a friend".

What are some alternatives to "pick it up from"?

Alternatives include "get it from", "acquire it from", or "obtain it from", depending on the specific context. Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance while maintaining a similar core meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "pick it up at" instead of "pick it up from"?

No, "pick it up at" is not grammatically correct when indicating the source. The correct preposition to use in this context is "from". Saying "pick it up at" might only be correct if referring to a specific time, not a place.

What's the difference between "pick it up from" and "take it from"?

"Pick it up from" implies physically retrieving something or learning information from a source. "Take it from" often means to believe someone's statement or advice, acting as an idiom for trust or reliance.