picked them up

USAGE SUMMARY

"picked them up" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is used to describe the action of physically picking up something, either physically or metaphorically. For example, "I went to the store and picked them up right away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Everybody picked them up".

The New York Times - Arts

"You picked them up, right?" she said.

The New York Times - Magazine

I picked them up just by traveling".

The New Yorker

He'd picked them up at yard sales.

The New Yorker

I thought they just picked them up".

The New Yorker

I picked them up like that".

The New York Times

Me and CDG picked them up on the A205.

Independent

The Piechotas picked them up a month later.

The New York Times - Arts

Ms. Ritter picked them up at a 99-cent store.

The New York Times

Fox picked them up and put them down.

The New York Times - Magazine

When he picked them up, the shopkeeper said: 'Great pictures.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "picked them up", ensure the context clearly indicates what "them" refers to. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "picked them up" without clearly establishing what "them" refers to earlier in the sentence or paragraph. This can confuse readers and force them to guess the meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "picked them up" functions as a phrasal verb, combining the verb "picked" with the preposition "up". It typically denotes the action of lifting something physically or collecting items, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Picked them up" is a versatile phrasal verb that commonly describes the act of physically lifting, collecting, or retrieving items or people. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. To ensure clarity, always make sure that the referent of "them" is clear. Related phrases such as "collected them" and "retrieved them" can offer nuanced alternatives. Whether you're discussing physical objects or metaphorical concepts, understanding the appropriate usage of "picked them up" will enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

collected them

Emphasizes the act of gathering multiple items.

retrieved them

Highlights the act of getting something back.

acquired them

Focuses on gaining possession of something.

obtained them

Similar to acquired, but can imply a more formal process.

brought them along

Highlights transporting items or people to a new location.

gave them a ride

Specifically refers to transporting people in a vehicle.

lifted their spirits

Metaphorical usage, meaning to improve someone's mood.

took custody of them

Implies taking responsibility or control.

took charge of them

Similar to taking custody, focusing on assuming control.

selected them

Focuses on choosing or picking out specific items from a larger group.

FAQs

What does "picked them up" mean?

The phrase "picked them up" generally means to physically lift something, collect items, or give someone a ride. The precise meaning depends on the context.

How can I use "picked them up" in a sentence?

You can use "picked them up" to describe various scenarios, such as: "I "picked them up" from school", or "She "picked them up" at the store".

What are some alternatives to "picked them up"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "collected them", "retrieved them", or "gave them a ride".

Is "picked them up" formal or informal?

"Picked them up" is generally considered a neutral and versatile phrase suitable for both informal and formal contexts.