pick up language

USAGE SUMMARY

"pick up language" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the process of learning or acquiring a new language. For example, "I'm keen to pick up language skills by living abroad for a year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

After all, children supposedly pick up language quickly.

The New York Times - Magazine

Some seals pick up language the way parrots do, and can develop a vocabulary.

The New Yorker

This is plausible, because children pick up language quicker than adults.

The Guardian - Film

To that point, I was slow to pick up language, slow to show an interest in the world.

The New York Times - Magazine

Some children are quicker to pick up language than others, so be patient.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Susan was amazed at how quickly Rick could pick up languages.

The New Yorker

"It is very easy for me to pick up languages, but Japanese seems hard.

The New York Times

Young children are known to have an unusual degree of neuroplasticity, which enables them to pick up languages and other skills much more easily than adults, who often struggle to learn a new language, play a new musical instrument or learn other new skills.

Huffington Post

Some people pick up languages quickly.

WikiHow

Courtside microphones picked up language that would make a sailor blush.

The New York Times

Humans are good at picking up language, including visual language, but first it has to be invented".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing informal language acquisition, "pick up language" is ideal. For formal learning contexts, consider "learn" or "acquire."

Common error

While acceptable in many contexts, "pick up language" can sound too casual for academic papers or business reports. Opt for a more formal alternative like "acquire language skills" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pick up language" functions as a verb phrase, where "pick up" acts as a phrasal verb and "language" is the direct object. It describes the action of acquiring or learning a language, often through informal means. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pick up language" refers to the process of informally acquiring a language through exposure and immersion, as validated by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically sound and commonly used, though more formal alternatives may be preferable in certain contexts. Usage is more frequent in News & Media, Wiki and Science. When aiming for precision, remember context matters: "acquire" or "learn" might suit formal settings better. The provided examples and related phrases offer a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively use and interpret this common expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquire a language

Emphasizes a more formal or structured approach to language learning.

learn a language

A general term for gaining knowledge of a language.

master a language

Implies a high level of proficiency in a language.

become fluent in a language

Focuses on achieving fluency and ease of communication.

develop language skills

Highlights the gradual development of language abilities.

gain proficiency in a language

Similar to mastering but focuses on measurable skill gains.

grasp a language

Suggests an intuitive understanding of a language.

get the hang of a language

A more informal way of saying 'learn' a language.

immerse oneself in a language

Emphasizes the intensive and enveloping nature of language study.

study a language

Focuses on the act of studying a language.

FAQs

What does "pick up language" mean?

To "pick up language" means to learn a language, often informally through immersion or exposure, rather than through formal study.

What are some synonyms for "pick up language"?

Alternatives include "learn a language", "acquire a language", or "become fluent in a language", each carrying slightly different connotations.

How can I "pick up language" quickly?

Immersion, consistent practice, and focusing on practical communication are key to "picking up language" rapidly. Watching movies, listening to music, and conversing with native speakers can greatly accelerate the process.

Is it better to "pick up language" or formally study it?

It depends on your goals. "Picking up language" informally can be faster for basic communication, while formal study provides a structured understanding of grammar and vocabulary. A combination of both approaches is often most effective.