pick up where

USAGE SUMMARY

"pick up where" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to resuming something that has already started, after a pause or break. For example: "We had to postpone our meeting, but it's time to pick up where we left off."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We pick up where we left off," Jarvis said.

The New York Times - Sports

RG: We pick up where venture funds leave off.

TechCrunch

Wheeler would simply pick up where Pruitt left off.

Columbia University

Future scholars will pick up where Bob left his search.

University of California, Berkeley

Can Kyle Smith pick up where Joe Jones left off?

Columbia University

I'll pick up where I left off - after the rain.

Stanford University

The next morning, things pick up where they left off.

Cornell University

But we can pick up where he left off.

The New York Times

"I'm going to pick up where I left off".

The New York Times - Books

He wants to pick up where he left off.

The Economist

Then, each day, I pick up where I left off.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pick up where" to clearly indicate the resumption of an activity, conversation, or process after an interruption. This phrase is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "pick up where" when referring to starting something entirely new. This phrase implies a continuation, not an initiation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pick up where" functions as a transitional phrase, indicating a return to a previous state or activity after an interruption. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

34%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pick up where" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the continuation of something after a pause. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It appears frequently in news, academic writing, and even informal contexts. Remember to use it when you want to signal a return to a previous point in an activity or discussion, ensuring clarity and a smooth transition for your audience. Common alternatives include "resume from where" and "continue from where".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resume from where

This alternative emphasizes the act of continuing from a specific point, similar to "pick up where".

continue from where

This alternative highlights the unbroken sequence of events or actions.

carry on from where

This alternative conveys the idea of proceeding without significant change or disruption.

go on from where

This alternative emphasizes progression and continuation of an activity or task.

start where

This alternative is slightly less precise, focusing on initiating an action at a particular point.

recommence from where

This alternative is a more formal way of saying 'start again from'.

re-engage from where

This alternative suggests resuming involvement or participation from a prior stage.

take over from where

This alternative suggests assuming responsibility from a specific point, often implying a change in personnel.

revisit from where

This alternative emphasizes going back to a specific point to start again.

build upon where

This alternative suggests using a previous foundation to create something new.

FAQs

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

You can use "pick up where" to describe resuming an activity after a pause. For example, "After the break, we will "pick up where" we left off with the presentation".

What are some alternatives to "pick up where"?

Alternatives include "resume from where", "continue from where", or "start where", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "pick up where" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "pick up where" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. Its meaning is clear and widely understood.

What is the difference between "pick up where" and "start over"?

"Pick up where" implies continuing from a previous point, while "start over" suggests beginning again from the very beginning.