pick up the bat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'pick up the bat' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when discussing a baseball or cricket game. For example, "When Dan's team was up to bat, he had to pick up the bat and take his turn swinging."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Pick up the bat if necessary.

WikiHow

Many of those who did pick up the bat had a family connection, a heritage with cricket-loving nations such as India.

BBC

When you pick up the bat, you should be holding the rubber grip near the end.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

And organisations like Opera Software, the Norway-based web browser company, are only too willing to pick up the Bat-phone to the Commissioner in Brussels.

TechCrunch

"Somebody asked about hitting, and he picked up the bat to demonstrate.

The New York Times - Sports

He picked up the bat and sent the ball soaring past the Dalit school.

The New York Times - Travel

Am I saying he should have picked up the bat and thrown it?

The New York Times - Sports

A young shortstop named Derek Jeter claimed he couldn't pick up the ball coming off the bat.

The New York Times - Sports

These handy gadgets are used to pick up the frequency of a bat's echolocation signals and so identify its species; some can be used for digital recording too.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I used to know this by smell, by bloom, by the urge to pick up that bat as if it were called upon by the doctor tapping my knee to test my reflexes.

The New York Times

Psychologists at Duke University say they have discovered that if you slip a pair of Velcro-covered mittens on an infant's hands, and then put some more Velcro on toys, the child can pick up the toys, instead of just batting at them.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pick up the bat" in writing, ensure the context clearly indicates the sport or activity being referenced. It's commonly used in baseball, softball, and cricket.

Common error

Avoid using "pick up the bat" in situations where the object is not a sporting bat, as it can cause confusion. Be specific if you mean something else.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pick up the bat" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the action of grasping a bat, typically in preparation for hitting a ball. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct. The examples provide context for this action in different scenarios.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pick up the bat" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe the action of grasping a bat, commonly in the context of sports such as baseball or cricket. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability in written English. While it appears most frequently in News & Media and Wiki sources, its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the sporting activity. Related phrases include "grab the bat" and "take hold of the bat", each offering subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grab the bat

Emphasizes the action of seizing the bat quickly.

take hold of the bat

Highlights the act of gripping the bat firmly.

get a grip on the bat

Focuses on achieving a stable hold on the bat.

seize the bat

Implies a decisive and forceful action of taking the bat.

handle the bat

Refers to the way someone manipulates or holds the bat.

wield the bat

Suggests using the bat with skill and control.

brandish the bat

Implies displaying the bat in a threatening or confident manner.

raise the bat

Focuses on the action of lifting the bat up.

swing the bat

Refers to the action of using the bat to hit a ball.

choose the bat

Highlights the selection of a specific bat.

FAQs

How to use "pick up the bat" in a sentence?

You can use "pick up the bat" to describe the action of getting ready to hit the ball in sports like baseball or cricket. For example, "He had to "pick up the bat" when it was his turn to bat."

What can I say instead of "pick up the bat"?

Alternatives include "grab the bat", "take hold of the bat", or "get a grip on the bat", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "picked up the bat" instead of "pick up the bat"?

Yes, "picked up the bat" is the past tense form of the phrase and is grammatically correct. The choice depends on whether you're describing a past action or a general scenario where someone might "pick up the bat".

What's the difference between "pick up the bat" and "swing the bat"?

"Pick up the bat" refers to the action of taking the bat into your hands, while "swing the bat" refers to the action of using the bat to hit the ball. They are sequential actions in the process of batting.