picked up on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "picked up on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone has noticed or become aware of something, often in a subtle or indirect way. Example: "She picked up on the tension in the room and decided to change the subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Another reporter picked up on one of Brisbane's other points.

Huffington Post

(No one picked up on my coinage, "The New Low").

The New Yorker

Others picked up on it".

The New York Times

Bloggers picked up on it.

The New York Times

I picked up on clues.

The New York Times - Books

Commentators picked up on it.

The New York Times

Several respondents picked up on these themes.

The New York Times

Sze picked up on the positive.

The New Yorker

Others have picked up on this.

The New York Times

Other companies picked up on the idea.

The New York Times - Tech

Justice Antonin Scalia picked up on the point.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "picked up on" when you want to emphasize that someone subtly or intuitively understood something that wasn't explicitly stated.

Common error

Avoid using "picked up on" when a more direct verb like "noticed" or "understood" would be clearer. The phrase works best when implying a degree of insight or subtle perception.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "picked up on" functions as a phrasal verb indicating the act of noticing, detecting, or understanding something, often subtly or intuitively. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in various contexts, highlighting its role in conveying comprehension.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "picked up on" is a versatile expression used to indicate that someone has noticed, detected, or understood something, often in a subtle or intuitive way. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, especially in News & Media. While alternatives like "noticed" or "grasped" exist, "picked up on" implies a degree of insight. Remember to use it when you want to convey a nuanced understanding rather than a simple observation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

noticed

Focuses on the act of becoming aware of something, often subtly.

detected

Implies a more deliberate or sensitive discovery, often of something hidden.

caught on to

Indicates understanding or realizing something after a period of confusion.

grasped

Emphasizes understanding and comprehension of an idea or concept.

discerned

Suggests a careful and thoughtful perception or understanding.

sensed

Suggests perceiving something intuitively, without explicit evidence.

recognized

Highlights the act of identifying something previously known or understood.

became aware of

A more formal way of expressing that someone has gained knowledge of something.

latched onto

Implies quickly adopting or focusing on an idea or trend.

seized on

Emphasizes taking advantage of an opportunity or idea.

FAQs

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

The phrase "picked up on" is used to indicate that someone has noticed or understood something, often subtly. For instance, "She "picked up on" his hesitation and offered encouragement".

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

You can use alternatives like "noticed", "detected", or "grasped" depending on the context. Each of these alternatives carries a slightly different nuance, so choose the one that best fits your intended meaning. "She "noticed" the tension in the room".

Is it correct to say "pick up on" instead of "picked up on"?

"Pick up on" is the base form of the phrasal verb. "Picked up on" is the past tense. The correct form depends on the tense of your sentence. For example, "I "pick up on" subtle cues" (present) versus "I "picked up on" his sarcasm" (past).

What's the difference between "picked up on" and "caught on to"?

While both phrases suggest understanding, "caught on to" often implies a realization that occurs after some initial confusion or delay, whereas "picked up on" suggests a more immediate or intuitive understanding. "She quickly "picked up on" the new rules", versus "He finally "caught on to" the joke".