pick up a date

USAGE SUMMARY

"pick up a date" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a romantic rendezvous or meeting with someone. For example, "I'm planning to pick up a date for the movie later tonight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

OUTSIDE of college campuses and romantic comedies, the library is not usually a place to pick up a date.

The New York Times

Meeting someone via the web is also safer, they argue, than trying to pick up a date at random in a bar.

The Economist

Some, like O'Keeffe, are here to work, and only to work, thank you very much; others to hang out, soak up some vibes, pick up a date.

The New York Times

Last Sunday, he went to pick up a date from the weekend home of her daughter, who appeared in the driveway when he pulled up.

The New York Times - Style

Here are a few of the basic things that should come more naturally to you than ever before when trying to pick up a date: Good hygiene gets you past the first gate.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

He was picking up a date and saw the car pulling away, but managed to pull the man out.

The New York Times

Facebook has become a way of picking up a date (previously, many young people would turn on Bluetooth and search for random connections nearby).

The Economist

When I was a senior in college, I was picking up a date for the prom and drove past a crowd of people on the corner.

The New York Times - Magazine

Malfunctions aside, it was perhaps not the most impressive vehicle in which to pick up a prom date.

The New York Times

Don't ever honk when coming to pick up a girl for a date, always walk up to the door and knock or ring the doorbell.

WikiHow

But in the depths of depression, she often didn't have the energy to pick up a pen to write the date, let alone pour out her feelings.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Replace the phrase with synonyms depending on the formality you wish to portray.

Common error

Be mindful of the potential for misinterpretation. "Pick up a date" can sometimes carry a casual or even slightly negative connotation, implying a lack of serious intent. Adjust your language to reflect the desired tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pick up a date" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically serving as a verb phrase. It describes the action of arranging or obtaining a date, often with romantic implications. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is valid and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pick up a date" is an idiomatic phrase used to describe the act of arranging or obtaining a romantic encounter. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in English, although it's worth noting that it carries an informal register and can sometimes imply a casual approach to dating. While you'll find it frequently in news and media sources, as well as on wikis, consider alternative phrases like "arrange a date" or "secure a date" for more formal contexts. Be mindful of potential misinterpretations and adjust your language to reflect the desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get a date

A simpler, more direct way of saying one obtained a date.

find a date

Highlights the search or discovery aspect of finding someone to go on a date with.

arrange a date

Focuses on the planning and preparation aspect of setting up a date.

organize a date

Similar to 'arrange a date' but puts more emphasis on the logistical aspects.

secure a date

Emphasizes the successful acquisition of a date, implying effort or competition.

plan a date

Focuses on the planning aspect of arranging a romantic meeting.

line up a date

Suggests organizing a date, often in advance or as part of a series of plans.

score a date

Suggests that getting the date was a success or an achievement.

set up a date

Implies that someone else helped to arrange the date.

fix a date

A more formal or old-fashioned way of saying "set a date."

FAQs

What does "pick up a date" mean?

The phrase "pick up a date" means to arrange or obtain a date, often implying a casual or opportunistic approach to finding someone to go out with.

Is it appropriate to use "pick up a date" in formal writing?

No, "pick up a date" is generally considered informal and is best suited for casual conversation or writing. In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "arrange a date" or "schedule a meeting".

What are some alternative phrases for "pick up a date"?

You can use alternatives like "arrange a date", "get a date", or "find a date" depending on the context.

Does "pick up a date" have any negative connotations?

Yes, the phrase "pick up a date" can sometimes imply a superficial or unserious approach to dating. Be mindful of the context and your audience when using this phrase.