pick up a cold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pick up a cold" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of becoming infected with a cold virus, often through exposure to someone who is sick. Example: "After spending the weekend with my sick friend, I think I might have picked up a cold."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He helped pick up a cold, gloomy day for the writer.

The New Yorker

Lastly, make sure to pick up a cold brew from our favorite shop, Stumptown".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Read these articles Pick Up a Woman and Cold Approach a Girl if you have problem approaching random girls.

WikiHow

I've had a voice like Rod Stewart all week, very croaky, after picking up a cold during our house move.

Independent

This may be cost-effective, in the face of across-the-board winter fuel hikes, but can put you in serious risk of picking up a cold.

Independent

He picked up a cold at the Sundance film festival, where It Follows recently had its US premiere, and it's been following him around ever since.

The Guardian - Film

This season Raylan picks up a cold case that's over thirty years in the making.

Huffington Post

Something may indeed be lost in picking up a cold brew coffee at the global coffee giant rather than at your local coffee store, run by your local hipsters.

Huffington Post

Pick up an instrument ?

WikiHow

You then touch something (or someone) germy and bring your hand to your face, or you get coughed or sneezed on, and you pick up a brand-new cold that's unrelated to the first.

Huffington Post

As we entered the housing complex a sprawling series of units simply numbered 1-9, their light-colored walls etched with the occasional political message the guys led us to a market shack to pick up a couple of cold beers.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing how someone got sick, "pick up a cold" is a common and acceptable phrase. Use it when the origin or cause of the cold is somewhat vague or unspecified.

Common error

While "pick up a cold" is acceptable, avoid it in highly formal or scientific writing. Opt for more precise terms like "contract a cold" or "become infected with a cold" /s/contract+a+cold.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pick up a cold" functions as a phrasal verb describing the action of becoming infected with a cold. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples show its use in describing how someone acquired the illness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pick up a cold" is a grammatically correct and commonly understood phrasal verb used to describe contracting a cold. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While versatile, it is best suited for neutral to informal contexts. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "contract a cold". It's usage across news, media, and wiki sources indicates its broad understanding, however not very frequent use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get a cold

Simple and direct alternative.

catch a cold

Alternative using 'catch' instead of 'pick up' to describe acquiring a cold.

contract a cold

Replaces "pick up" with "contract" implying formal way to say acquiring a cold.

come down with a cold

Uses "come down with" to indicate the onset of a cold.

develop a cold

Implies a gradual acquisition of a cold.

acquire a cold

More formal synonym for getting a cold.

be infected with a cold

Focuses on the infection aspect of acquiring a cold.

fall ill with a cold

Emphasizes the illness resulting from the cold.

succumb to a cold

Suggests being overcome by a cold.

take a cold

Uses "take" instead of "pick up" to describe acquiring a cold.

FAQs

What does "pick up a cold" mean?

The phrase "pick up a cold" means to become infected with a cold virus, typically through exposure to someone who is already sick or a contaminated environment.

What can I say instead of "pick up a cold"?

You can use alternatives like "catch a cold", "get a cold", or "contract a cold" depending on the context.

Is "pick up a cold" grammatically correct?

Yes, "pick up a cold" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrasal verb in English.

In what situations should I use "pick up a cold"?

"Pick up a cold" is suitable for everyday conversation and informal writing. For formal or scientific contexts, consider using more precise language like "contract a cold".