pick up a box

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pick up a box" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to lift or gather a box from a surface or location. Example: "Please pick up a box from the shelf and bring it to me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

For £5, customers can lean in and pick up a box of meatballs, sauces and sides.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I pick up a box from the children's room, where she is forbidden to go: no guard would permit a convicted child abuser near toddlers.

The New Yorker

"Meet at California & Polk to pick up a box spring — proceed to walk that box spring to the 700 block of Green Street (by the North Star Cafe).

The New Yorker

You are basically subscribing to a local farmer and usually go to a central location weekly to pick up a box of organic food.

The Washington Post

And during the wait to get a prescription filled, customers are likely to pick up a box of Kleenex or a tube of toothpaste.

The New York Times

In a C.S.A., devoted consumers pre-pay the farmer for a percentage of the crop, usually stopping by the farm once a week to pick up a box of assorted produce.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Pick up a small box of borax from the laundry section of your grocery store.

WikiHow

Pick up an item box & hope you get a banana.

WikiHow

He picked up a box from a table.

The New Yorker

It is difficult to resist picking up a box turtle.

The New York Times

Everyone assumed someone else had picked up a box.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. In a formal setting, "obtain a box" might be preferable to "pick up a box".

Common error

Avoid using "pick up a box" in highly formal writing where more precise language is expected. Opt for terms like "retrieve" or "collect" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pick up a box" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of lifting and taking possession of a box. Ludwig's examples show its usage in both literal and slightly more abstract contexts, like gathering documents.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Wiki

18%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pick up a box" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the action of lifting and taking possession of a box. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, more formal settings may benefit from using alternatives like "collect" or "retrieve". When instructing someone to handle a box, remember to specify the weight or contents for safety. While it's a very common and readily understood phrase, you can improve your writing style using alternatives, especially if targeting a formal audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grab a box

Replaces "pick up" with "grab", suggesting a quicker or more casual action.

lift a box

Focuses on the physical action of lifting the box.

collect a box

Implies gathering or receiving a box from a specific location.

fetch a box

Suggests going to get the box and bringing it back.

take a box

Indicates removing a box from a place.

obtain a box

Formal way to say getting a box.

acquire a box

Stresses the act of gaining possession of a box.

secure a box

Implies making sure you have a box.

retrieve a box

Suggests getting a box back from storage.

carry a box

Focuses on the action of transporting the box.

FAQs

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

You can use "pick up a box" in sentences like, "I need to "pick up a box" of groceries from the store" or "Could you "pick up a box" of files from my office after work?"

What are some alternatives to "pick up a box"?

Some alternatives to "pick up a box" include "grab a box", "lift a box", or "collect a box", depending on the context.

Is "pick up a box" formal or informal?

"Pick up a box" is generally considered informal to neutral. In more formal settings, consider using "collect a box" or "retrieve a box" instead.

What does it mean to "pick up a box" in a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) context?

In a CSA context, "pick up a box" usually means to collect a pre-arranged box of fresh, local produce from a designated location, typically weekly.