pick up pointers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pick up pointers" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to learning tips or advice from someone or something. For example: "During the workshop, I was able to pick up pointers on effective communication." Alternative expressions include "gain insights" and "learn tips."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Mr. Hazen recently visited those places to pick up pointers.

The New York Times - Food

He visited them backstage to pick up pointers.

The New York Times

Mr. Clinton used to study Reagan tapes to pick up pointers; why shouldn't Mr. Bush?

The New York Times

In the lobby, Mr. Marlow, who could not attend the training because he was working the door, said he hoped to pick up pointers from his colleagues.

The New York Times

Watch the videos of pen tappers that you admire, and try to pick up pointers from their style.

WikiHow

You can learn practical information about photo shoots, pricing and communication with bands, while you pick up pointers on creating photography.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"Shalane picks up pointers from us," Treworgy said, "but she creates her own training program.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Obama's aides were at Mr. Biden's prep sessions, so presumably they picked up pointers.

The New York Times

Throughout the tour, Ruth had a feeling the Japs were studying the Americans, picking up pointers at every turn.

The New Yorker

Max Domi, 18, said that he modeled his game after Minnesota Wild forward Zach Parise, but that he also picked up pointers while watching videos of players like Pavel Datsyuk and Patrick Kane.

The New York Times - Sports

Although he was not accepted after auditioning for Mr. Forsythe's Frankfurt Ballet, Mr. Davis stayed around Frankfurt, picking up pointers from Mr. Forsythe and his dancers.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pick up pointers" when you want to convey the idea of learning practical tips or advice in an informal or observational manner. It suggests an effortless or passive form of learning through exposure and interaction.

Common error

Avoid using "pick up pointers" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "acquire knowledge" or "gain insights" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pick up pointers" functions as an idiomatic expression, used to describe the act of acquiring helpful tips, advice, or insights, often through observation or informal learning. It implies gaining practical knowledge or understanding from others or from specific experiences. According to Ludwig, this is a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pick up pointers" is a correct and commonly used idiomatic phrase that means to acquire helpful tips or advice, typically through observation or informal learning. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While versatile, it's most appropriate for neutral to informal settings, such as news articles, blogs, or casual conversations. For more formal contexts, alternatives like "gain insights" or "acquire knowledge" may be more suitable. As Ludwig exemplifies, the phrase is favored in News & Media, Wiki and Sports domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gather tips

Replaces "pick up" with "gather", suggesting a collection of advice.

gain insights

Focuses on understanding and learning, using a more formal term.

learn tricks

Implies acquiring specific techniques or shortcuts.

glean advice

Suggests a careful and gradual gathering of advice.

acquire knowledge

A broader term for gaining information and understanding.

get some input

Focuses on receiving feedback or suggestions.

find inspiration

Highlights the act of being motivated or influenced.

draw lessons

Emphasizes the extraction of learning from an experience.

observe techniques

Highlights the act of watching and learning from methods.

study methods

Implies a detailed examination for learning purposes.

FAQs

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

You can use "pick up pointers" to describe learning tips or advice, like: "I went to the conference to "pick up pointers" on marketing strategies."

What are some alternatives to "pick up pointers"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "gather tips", "gain insights", or "learn tricks".

Is "pick up pointers" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "pick up pointers" is generally more appropriate for informal or conversational contexts. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "acquire knowledge" or "derive insights".

What's the difference between "pick up pointers" and "receive guidance"?

"Pick up pointers" suggests a more informal and observational learning process, while "receive guidance" implies a more structured and directed form of learning from an expert or mentor.