pick it up quickly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pick it up quickly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to learn or understand something rapidly. Example: "If you want to succeed in this fast-paced environment, you need to pick it up quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Once you see the Bob-omb appear on the stage, you will need to pick it up quickly, before it activates its self-destructive timer automatically.

WikiHow

"The kids pick it up quickly, but prior to me teaching them, they don't know anything".

The New York Times

While some people pick it up quickly, it must be acquired, as must a skill at playing the piano.

The Guardian - Books

When WCBS first announced its switch, he said, "I thought, somebody else is going to pick it up quickly.

The New York Times

But the tactical change has been drastic, and the players will need to pick it up quickly in order to be successful against New Zealand.

The Guardian - Sport

If you drop a dollar bill on the sidewalk and do not pick it up quickly, it is safe to say you have lost your rights to it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The older man had never used a computer, but picked it up quickly; the software includes computer training sessions.

The New York Times - Health

Kevin picks it up quickly, thinking that they may be able to pretend nothing happened at all.

The New Yorker

He picked it up quickly.

TechCrunch

"We've offered him help but he seems to have picked it up quickly," said Garvey.

BBC

Technology was a new thing for him, but he picked it up quickly.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pick it up quickly", ensure the context clearly indicates what 'it' refers to, to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "He'll pick it up quickly", specify "He'll pick up the new software quickly".

Common error

Avoid using "pick it up quickly" when the subject requires long-term learning or complex understanding. This phrase is best suited for tasks that can be grasped relatively easily. For example, saying "She'll pick up quantum physics quickly" might be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pick it up quickly" functions as a verb phrase, often used as part of a predicate to describe how someone acquires knowledge, a skill, or an understanding. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase describes learning new technologies or adapting to new tactical changes. It emphasizes the speed and ease of acquisition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

11%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pick it up quickly" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe someone's ability to learn or understand something rapidly. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples reveals its frequent usage in news and media, alongside various other sources. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase follows standard grammar rules. Alternatives like "learn it fast" and "grasp it swiftly" offer similar meanings. When using this phrase, clarity is key; make sure the 'it' is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. While versatile, it's best reserved for concepts that can be grasped relatively easily.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

learn it fast

Focuses specifically on the speed of learning something.

grasp it swiftly

Emphasizes understanding and swiftness in comprehending something.

catch on rapidly

Highlights the speed of understanding or becoming aware of something.

get the hang of it fast

Indicates a quick understanding of how to do something.

master it rapidly

Suggests quickly gaining expertise or control over something.

become proficient fast

Indicates quick development of skill or competence.

acquire it readily

Implies easily and quickly obtaining something.

assimilate it quickly

Focuses on the rapid integration of information or knowledge.

take to it instantly

Emphasizes an immediate liking and aptitude for something.

get up to speed rapidly

Highlights the quickness of becoming familiar with something.

FAQs

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

You can use "pick it up quickly" to describe someone's ability to learn or understand something rapidly. For example, "If you want to succeed in this fast-paced environment, you need to pick it up quickly".

What does "pick it up quickly" mean?

The expression "pick it up quickly" means to learn, understand, or acquire something rapidly or with ease. It suggests a fast learning curve and an ability to grasp new concepts or skills without much difficulty.

What can I say instead of "pick it up quickly"?

You can use alternatives like "learn it fast", "grasp it swiftly", or "catch on rapidly" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "learn quickly" or "pick it up quickly"?

Both "learn quickly" and "pick it up quickly" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Learn quickly" is more general, while "pick it up quickly" often implies learning something informally or through observation rather than formal instruction. The best choice depends on the specific context.