picked it up quickly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'picked it up quickly' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone was able to learn something or master something quickly, such as in the sentence, "I was surprised by how quickly she picked up the new software program."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The older man had never used a computer, but picked it up quickly; the software includes computer training sessions.

The New York Times - Health

He picked it up quickly.

TechCrunch

"We've offered him help but he seems to have picked it up quickly," said Garvey.

BBC

Technology was a new thing for him, but he picked it up quickly.

Huffington Post

She picked it up quickly, and we've now started to progress towards trying to spell the full word out.

Huffington Post

C.J. Cron picked it up quickly and tagged the bunter while Andrelton Simmons slammed his glove on second base in anger.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Once you see the Bob-omb appear on the stage, you will need to pick it up quickly, before it activates its self-destructive timer automatically.

WikiHow

While some people pick it up quickly, it must be acquired, as must a skill at playing the piano.

The Guardian - Books

When WCBS first announced its switch, he said, "I thought, somebody else is going to pick it up quickly.

The New York Times

"The kids pick it up quickly, but prior to me teaching them, they don't know anything".

The New York Times

Kevin picks it up quickly, thinking that they may be able to pretend nothing happened at all.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's learning process, use "picked it up quickly" to emphasize their aptitude and speed in acquiring a new skill or understanding a new concept. This phrase works well in both professional and casual contexts.

Common error

Ensure that the "it" in "picked it up quickly" clearly refers to the subject you're discussing. Vague pronoun reference can confuse your reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "picked it up quickly" functions as a descriptive element, highlighting the ease and speed with which someone learns or understands something. As Ludwig indicates, it's a correct and usable phrase in English. It often modifies a verb, adding detail about the manner of acquisition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "picked it up quickly" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe someone's ability to learn or understand something rapidly. Ludwig's analysis confirms its usability across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in pronoun reference and consider alternative phrasings to add nuance. As Ludwig AI points out, its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

learned it rapidly

Emphasizes the speed of learning.

mastered it swiftly

Highlights the achievement of mastery in a short time.

grasped it immediately

Focuses on the instantaneous understanding of something.

caught on fast

An informal way to express quick understanding.

became proficient quickly

Highlights the development of proficiency in a short time.

acquired it readily

Emphasizes ease and willingness in the acquisition process.

absorbed it quickly

Focuses on the thoroughness and speed of assimilation.

understood it promptly

Highlights the timeliness of comprehension.

became adept rapidly

Emphasizes skillfulness developed in a short amount of time.

got the hang of it fast

Informal way of saying someone understood or learned how to do something quickly.

FAQs

How can I use "picked it up quickly" in a sentence?

You can use "picked it up quickly" to describe someone's ability to learn or understand something fast. For example, "She "picked it up quickly" and was soon leading the project".

What are some alternatives to "picked it up quickly"?

Alternatives include "learned it rapidly", "mastered it swiftly", or "grasped it immediately", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "quickly picked it up" instead of "picked it up quickly"?

While grammatically acceptable, "picked it up quickly" is the more common and natural-sounding phrasing. "Quickly picked it up" might sound slightly awkward in most contexts.

What does "picked it up quickly" imply about a person's ability?

"Picked it up quickly" suggests the person has a natural aptitude, is a fast learner, or has prior experience that made the new skill or concept easier to grasp. It indicates efficiency and competence.