picked up the flu

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "picked up the flu" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of contracting the flu, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "After spending the weekend with my sick friend, I unfortunately picked up the flu."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He had picked up the flu somewhere — Laos, maybe — and his doctor had advised him to take it easy, which was difficult on his schedule.

The New Yorker

He had picked up the flu somewhere Laos, maybe and his doctor had advised him to take it easy, which was difficult on his schedule.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"The more people report the symptoms of the seasonal flu in a town, the higher the probability that the next user from the same place complaining about high fever and coughing will have picked up the same flu strain," adds Berlucchi.

TechCrunch

Pick up the fuckin' chalk.

The New Yorker

Elvis picks up the boy.

The New Yorker

Pick up the caterpillar.

WikiHow

Pick up the babies.

WikiHow

Pick up the rope.

WikiHow

Pick up the hobbies.

WikiHow

Picking up the pattern?

WikiHow

Pick up the candidate.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "picked up the flu", ensure the context is clear and that it refers to contracting the influenza virus, rather than simply obtaining an item related to the flu (like medication).

Common error

Avoid using "picked up the flu" in contexts where you mean to retrieve something related to influenza, such as medicine. This phrase specifically refers to contracting the illness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "picked up the flu" functions as a verb phrase, specifically describing the action of contracting or acquiring the influenza virus. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a standard way to express the act of becoming infected.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "picked up the flu" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe contracting the influenza virus. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples of its use in News & Media. While "rare" in overall frequency, it serves as a neutral and easily understood way to explain how someone became infected. Alternatives include "caught the flu" and "contracted influenza", with the latter being more formal. When using the phrase, clarity is key: ensure it refers to contracting the illness, not simply acquiring flu-related items.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

caught the flu

Uses a more common verb "caught" instead of "picked up" to describe contracting the flu.

got the flu

Uses a simpler and more direct way of saying the same thing, employing the verb "got".

contracted influenza

Uses a more formal term "influenza" and the verb "contracted" to describe acquiring the illness.

came down with the flu

Emphasizes the onset of the illness using the phrasal verb "came down with".

developed the flu

Focuses on the development of the illness within the person's body.

became infected with the flu

Highlights the infection aspect of contracting the flu.

acquired the flu virus

Focuses on the acquisition of the virus that causes the flu.

was infected by the flu

Expresses being infected by the flu virus using the passive voice.

succumbed to the flu

Implies a more serious or unavoidable contraction of the flu.

took ill with the flu

Emphasizes the state of being sick after contracting the flu.

FAQs

What does "picked up the flu" mean?

The phrase "picked up the flu" means to contract or catch the influenza virus. It's a common way to describe becoming infected with the flu.

Is "picked up the flu" formal or informal?

The phrase "picked up the flu" is generally considered informal. In more formal contexts, you might use "contracted influenza" or "became infected with the flu".

What can I say instead of "picked up the flu"?

You can use alternatives like "caught the flu", "contracted influenza", or "came down with the flu" depending on the context.

How to use "picked up the flu" in a sentence?

Example: "He traveled to Laos and unfortunately "picked up the flu" there."