pick up quickly

USAGE SUMMARY

"pick up quickly" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to describe a situation in which someone needs to learn or understand something quickly, for example: "She had to pick up quickly the new software package in order to begin work on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Children pick up quickly on this sort of thing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But he added that he remained hopeful that "growth will pick up, and pick up quickly".

The New York Times

Some questions on the profile allow students to pick up, quickly, on likely trouble spots.

The New York Times

Since IT investments are being held back now, he predicts, they will pick up quickly when the economy recovers, be it in 2010 or later.

The Economist

In reality, it's a skill that you can pick up quickly and easily, and which will make an instant difference to your life.

The Guardian

Even as late as April 2008, a future chief of the Fed expected the American economy to pick up quickly rather than to continue to deteriorate.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

A slow start from Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, but then it picks up quickly.

The Guardian - Film

Her career picked up quickly.

The Guardian - Film

Business usually picked up quickly.

The New York Times

Despite these issues, the story picks up quickly.

The New York Times - Books

That is something the foreign players picked up quickly.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing skill acquisition, use "pick up quickly" to emphasize the ease and speed of learning, especially when the subject has a natural aptitude or the learning curve is gentle.

Common error

Avoid using "pick up quickly" when describing something being passively learned without effort. This phrase often implies active engagement, so using it in a completely passive context can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pick up quickly" functions as a verb phrase, often used to describe the speed and ease with which someone learns or understands something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pick up quickly" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the rapid acquisition of knowledge or skills. As Ludwig AI states, it's a correct and usable phrase. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, including news, general discussions and how-to guides. While alternatives like "learn rapidly" or "catch on fast" exist, "pick up quickly" emphasizes the ease and speed of learning. When using the expression, ensure it aligns with active learning scenarios, and avoid passive contexts where effort is absent. The phrase appears frequently in authoritative sources such as The New York Times, The Guardian and TechCrunch, reinforcing its reliability and widespread use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

catch on fast

An informal idiom that means to understand something quickly, similar in meaning but more conversational.

learn rapidly

Focuses specifically on the speed of learning, omitting the 'pick up' aspect which can imply ease or natural acquisition.

grasp swiftly

Emphasizes understanding and comprehension with speed, suggesting a mental 'grasp' rather than a gradual learning process.

improve rapidly

Highlights a quick increase in quality or condition, shifting the focus from initial learning to subsequent advancement.

gain momentum quickly

Implies a rapid increase in force or speed, often used in the context of projects or initiatives.

accelerate rapidly

Focuses on the increase in speed or rate of progress, suggesting a more dynamic and active process.

adopt swiftly

Emphasizes the speed of accepting or starting to use something new, rather than learning or understanding it.

understand immediately

Highlights instant comprehension, which might not always involve a gradual 'picking up' process.

become proficient fast

Focuses on achieving expertise quickly, suggesting a more deliberate and skill-oriented approach.

master swiftly

Emphasizes achieving a high level of skill or knowledge quickly, focusing on complete competence.

FAQs

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

You can use "pick up quickly" to describe learning something with ease and speed. For example, "Children often "pick up quickly" new languages", or "He "picked up quickly" the basics of coding".

What does it mean to "pick up quickly" on something?

To "pick up quickly" on something means to understand or learn it rapidly and easily. It suggests a natural aptitude or an efficient learning process.

What are some alternatives to "pick up quickly"?

Some alternatives to "pick up quickly" include "learn rapidly", "grasp swiftly", or "catch on fast". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "pick up quickly" or "learn quickly"?

Both "pick up quickly" and "learn quickly" are correct. "Pick up quickly" often implies a natural ease of learning, while "learn quickly" simply means to acquire knowledge rapidly, regardless of the effort involved.