pick up the work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'pick up the work' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to resuming an activity, task, or project. For example, "After the weekend, I need to pick up the work I left off on Friday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Again, Serco was on hand to pick up the work.

The Guardian - Business

You could also pick up the work of Sherman Alexie.

The Guardian - Books

What they have had to do is to pick up the work of the 250,000 public sector jobs that have gone for no additional pay.

The Guardian

Those who remain have little option but to pick up the work of their absent colleagues, despite being fully loaded themselves.

The Guardian

Whenever we pick up the work of any of these people, we know without looking that the subject will be important, that something "of certain magnitude" (Aristotle) is at stake.

The New York Times - Books

In a 35-minute address, interrupted repeatedly by applause and shouts of praise from worshipers, Mr. Obama said it was time for his generation to pick up the work of those who had toiled before.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Pick up the working yarn again, and pull it through the loop on the hook – this counts as 1 ch.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

WHEN the characters in Cheryl Mendelson's first novel are looking for entertainment, they often pick up the works of great 19th-century authors like Thackeray and George Eliot.

The New York Times - Books

Insert the hook under the two strands on your finger, pick up the working yarn (the yarn running to the ball) and pull it under the two strands so that you have a loop of yarn on your hook.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Pick up the working yarn again and knit one more stitch on your right arm (you should now have two stitches again).

WikiHow

Later, a Hollywood assistant set designer paid a trip to the shop on Fair Oaks Avenue in Pasadena, California, and picked up the work for $500.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pick up the work", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific task or responsibility is being resumed or taken over. This avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "pick up the work" without clearly specifying the "work" to which you are referring. Ensure your audience knows exactly what task or project is being discussed. If the specific task isn't explicit, provide additional context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pick up the work" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It typically describes the action of resuming, continuing, or taking over a specific task or responsibility. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is a commonly used expression in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

18%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pick up the work" is a common and correct English phrase that means to resume, continue, or take responsibility for a task. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and usability. It is frequently found in News & Media, Scientific, and general contexts. While grammatically sound, it's important to provide sufficient context to clearly identify the specific "work" being referenced. Consider alternatives like "resume the work" or "take over the work" depending on your desired nuance and formality level.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resume the work

Focuses specifically on continuing a task that was previously interrupted.

continue the work

Highlights the ongoing nature of the task, without necessarily implying an interruption.

take over the work

Emphasizes assuming responsibility for a task that someone else was doing.

get back to the work

Emphasizes returning to a task after an absence or distraction.

assume responsibility for the work

A more formal way of saying take over the work, highlighting the acceptance of duty.

carry on with the work

Indicates proceeding with the task, often after a difficulty or delay.

recommence the work

A formal synonym for resuming, implying a return to a task after a significant break.

move forward with the work

Focuses on progressing with the task, often in the face of obstacles.

shoulder the work

Implies bearing the burden or responsibility of the task.

undertake the work

Suggests a formal commitment to beginning or continuing a task.

FAQs

What does "pick up the work" mean?

The phrase "pick up the work" means to resume, continue, or take responsibility for a task or project that has either been interrupted or previously handled by someone else.

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

You can use alternatives like "resume the work", "continue the work", or "take over the work" depending on the specific context.

How can I use "pick up the work" in a sentence?

Example: "After the training session, the team members will pick up the work on the project deliverables". It implies the team will continue working on their project deliverables after the training.

Is "pick up the work" formal or informal?

The phrase "pick up the work" is suitable for both professional and informal communication, depending on the context. More formal alternatives include "assume responsibility for the work" or "undertake the work".