pick up

USAGE SUMMARY

"pick up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a verb or a phrasal verb. For example: He picked up his suitcase and walked out of the room.

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pick up.

The New York Times

"Pick up, Grandma.

The New Yorker

Things pick up.

The New York Times

I pick up.

The New York Times

Pick up a camera.

The Economist

Pick up dry-cleaning?

The New York Times

Pick up the phone.

BMC Medical Education

Pick up your trash.

WikiHow

Pick up the closet.

WikiHow

Pick up some litter.

WikiHow

Pick up a book.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pick up" to mean 'collect a person', specify the location to avoid ambiguity (e.g., "I'll pick you up at the station").

Common error

In formal contexts, consider using more precise synonyms like "collect", "retrieve", or "acquire" depending on the intended meaning. This can improve clarity and sophistication in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "pick up" is as a phrasal verb. It combines the verb "pick" with the particle "up" to create a new meaning, often indicating actions like lifting, collecting, or acquiring. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "pick up" is a versatile and commonly used expression in English, as Ludwig AI states. It serves various functions, from describing the physical act of lifting to indicating the collection of people or items, and even the acquisition of knowledge. While generally informal, it appears across diverse contexts, including news, wikis, and scientific publications. When writing formally, consider using more precise synonyms to enhance clarity. Remember to specify locations for clarity when referring to collecting someone. With a high expert rating and very common frequency, understanding the nuances of "pick up" is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

collect

This alternative focuses on the action of gathering or accumulating something.

gather

Similar to collect, but often implies a more deliberate or organized effort.

lift

This focuses on the physical action of raising something.

retrieve

Suggests recovering something that was previously lost or misplaced.

learn

Implies acquiring new knowledge or skills.

improve

Focuses on the action of getting better or enhancing something.

arrest

Specifically refers to apprehending someone by law enforcement.

answer

Specifically refers to responding to a phone call.

notice

Implies becoming aware of something.

pay for

Focuses on covering the cost of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "pick up" in various ways, such as to mean 'to lift something' (e.g., "Pick up the book"), 'to collect someone' (e.g., "I'll pick you up later"), or 'to learn something' (e.g., "I picked up some Spanish while traveling").

What are some alternatives to using "pick up"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "collect", "gather", "learn", or "improve".

Is it correct to say "pick up on" something?

Yes, "pick up on" is a common phrasal verb meaning 'to notice or detect something that is not obvious'. For example, "Did you pick up on her nervousness?"

What does "pick up the phone" mean?

"Pick up the phone" means to answer a telephone call. For example, "I'm calling him, but he just isn't picking up!"