picked up information

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "picked up information" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of acquiring or gathering information, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "During the meeting, I picked up information about the new project that will help us move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

What if blood picked up information as it streamed around the body?

The Guardian

Google moved for dismissal, arguing that because it had picked up information only from unencrypted networks, it had not broken the law.

The New York Times - Tech

Intelligence agencies picked up information soon after the January strikes that Mr. Weinstein was dead, but they were not immediately clear how.

The New York Times

"He'd tell you what was going on, what they were expecting to do on the floor, and he picked up information from us, because a lot of times people up there lobbying for clients talk to different senators".

The New York Times

In the spring of 2004, when Mr. Steele started Curbed.com, many of his posts picked up information about new buildings and commercial real estate from other publications, with links to their articles at the bottom.

The New York Times

Intelligence agencies have not picked up information that Al Qaeda is planning an attack at the Games, officials from several countries said in interviews over the past few days, and they expressed confidence that the extraordinarily elaborate security provisions will leave the Olympic sites -- and the 16,000 athletes and officials -- secure.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

In addition, farmers can be ingenious in problem solving and if they pick-up information about FMNR from friends or other acquaintances they may well innovate and adapt the method to their own conditions.

Agricultural and Food Economics

"His ability to pick up information was encouraging as well".

The New York Times - Sports

They can help users navigate the building, picking up information at useful points.

The New York Times - Tech

You can pick up information and if that helps, that helps.

The Guardian - Books

Please be sure that you have received and understood specific drop off and pick up information from the technician.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "picked up information", consider the context to determine if a more formal alternative like "gathered intelligence" or "acquired knowledge" would be more appropriate.

Common error

While "picked up information" is acceptable, avoid using it in highly formal documents such as academic papers or legal briefs. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "picked up information" functions as a verb phrase, describing the action of acquiring or obtaining knowledge. As stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, referring to the act of gathering or acquiring information in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "picked up information" is a versatile way to describe acquiring knowledge, though its informality should be considered. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While suitable for news articles and general discussions, more formal alternatives like "gathered intelligence" or "acquired knowledge" are often preferable in academic or professional settings. The phrase is often encountered in news and media, reflecting its everyday usage in describing how individuals or organizations come to learn new things. Remembering these nuances will help improve the clarity and precision of your writing, ensuring that the message is delivered effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Gathered intelligence

Implies a more deliberate and systematic collection of information, often in a security or investigative context.

Acquired knowledge

Focuses on the gaining of understanding or expertise through learning or experience.

Obtained data

Highlights the collection of factual information, often in a scientific or technical setting.

Learned details

Emphasizes the process of coming to know specific facts or pieces of information.

Discovered facts

Suggests uncovering information that was previously unknown or hidden.

Ascertained details

Involves finding something out for certain; make sure of.

Detected signals

Used for more complex and technical environment where signal is the key aspect of the whole context.

Understood concepts

Focuses on the comprehension aspect of gaining information, highlighting the grasp of ideas or principles.

Collected insights

Indicates gathering deeper understandings or perspectives, often through analysis or reflection.

Received input

Highlights the act of getting information from a source. In this context 'input' might have been expected or unexpected.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "picked up information"?

You can use alternatives like "gathered intelligence", "acquired knowledge", or "obtained data" depending on the context.

Is "picked up information" too informal for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "picked up information" might be considered too informal for some academic contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives such as "acquired knowledge" or "obtained data".

How do I use "picked up information" in a sentence?

You can use "picked up information" to describe the process of casually acquiring knowledge, as in, "During the conference, I picked up information about the new project."

What's the difference between "picked up information" and "gathered intelligence"?

"Picked up information" suggests a casual or incidental acquisition of knowledge, whereas "gathered intelligence" implies a more deliberate and systematic collection of information, often for strategic purposes.