picked it up for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "picked it up for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to acquiring or obtaining something, often at a specific price or for a particular purpose. Example: "I picked it up for just ten dollars at the flea market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

One low-budget oater of the era, made totally outside the studio system, profited from an outrageous concept: a Western with an all-midget cast, The Terror of Tiny Town (1938) was such a success in its independent bookings that Columbia picked it up for distribution.

Wikipedia

This time last year its shares were trading at $140 a piece; before JAB made its offer on Monday, punters could have picked it up for little more than $40 a share.

Independent

It also made its way into higher-end outlets: Saks Fifth Avenue picked it up for the first time this year.

The New Yorker

I picked it up for him and handed it back.

The New Yorker

MTV hasn't picked it up for the buzz bin yet.

The Washington Post

Last year, HBO picked it up for two seasons.

The New Yorker

But CBS picked it up for the 2000-1 season.

The New York Times - Arts

I picked it up for a closer look.

The New Yorker

(BBC Radio 4 Extra has just picked it up for broadcast too).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

You gotta pick it up for yourself.

The New York Times

A decade ago, it was Jaromir Jagr picking it up for Mario Lemieux.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "picked it up for" when you want to convey that something was acquired, often at a specific price or for a particular reason. It's suitable for both informal and semi-formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "picked it up for" when the emphasis is not on the price or purpose of acquisition, but rather on the act of physically lifting or retrieving something. In those scenarios, use a simpler phrase like "picked it up".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "picked it up for" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of acquiring something, often with the implication of a price or purpose. Ludwig examples show varied contexts, from physical objects to media rights.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

8%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "picked it up for" is a common and versatile expression used to indicate the acquisition of something, often with a focus on price, purpose, or selection. As Ludwig AI points out, its grammatical status is correct, and it appears frequently in news and media, making it a generally neutral phrase suitable for various contexts. Remember to consider the implication of value when using this phrase to ensure clarity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bought it for

Directly indicates a purchase was made at a certain price or reason.

got it for

A more informal way of saying "bought it for", indicating a simple transaction.

acquired it for

Replaces "picked up" with "acquired", indicating a more formal or deliberate acquisition.

procured it for

Implies a more formal or official process of obtaining something, often for an organization or institution.

obtained it for

Similar to "acquired", but can also imply a less formal or intentional obtaining of something.

snagged it for

Suggests obtaining something quickly or opportunistically, often at a good deal.

selected it for

Implies a choice or selection process before acquiring something for a specific purpose.

chose it for

Similar to "selected it for", emphasizing the decision-making aspect of obtaining something.

accepted it for

Indicates taking something that was offered, often implying responsibility or obligation.

took it for

A more general term that could imply different means of obtaining something, not necessarily a purchase.

FAQs

What does "picked it up for" mean?

The phrase "picked it up for" typically means to acquire something, often implying a purchase at a particular price, or selecting something for a specific reason. It can also refer to physically lifting or retrieving something.

What can I say instead of "picked it up for"?

You can use alternatives like "acquired it for", "bought it for", or "obtained it for" depending on the context.

Is "picked it up for" formal or informal?

The phrase "picked it up for" is generally considered semi-formal to informal. While acceptable in writing, more formal alternatives like "procured it for" may be preferred in certain contexts.

How do I use "picked it up for" in a sentence?

You can use "picked it up for" to indicate the acquisition of something, such as "I picked it up for a few dollars at the thrift store" or "HBO "picked it up for" two seasons".