picking up

USAGE SUMMARY

"picking up" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to mean either physically gathering something or increasing in amount or intensity. For example, you could say: "The rain started to pick up as the storm approached."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're picking up.

The New Yorker

Life's picking up speed.

Independent

Voy wasn't picking up.

The New York Times - Magazine

Activity has been picking up.

The New York Times

We are picking up energy.

The New York Times

We are picking up momentum.

The New York Times

New construction is picking up.

The New York Times

Lending is slowly picking up.

The New York Times

Wage growth is picking up.

The Economist

China's economy is picking up.

The Economist

Now sales are picking up.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In informal contexts, "picking up" can refer to acquiring skills or habits, as in "picking up a new language" or "picking up bad habits".

Common error

Avoid using "picking up" when a more precise verb like "collecting", "learning", or "accelerating" would provide greater clarity. For example, instead of saying "picking up information", consider specifying "learning information" or "gathering information".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "picking up" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used as part of a continuous verb tense. It indicates the action of physically grasping something, or more abstractly, an increase or improvement in something. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility, showing usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

17%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "picking up" is a very common and versatile verb phrase that indicates either a physical action of grasping something or an increase in some quantity or quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts. While generally acceptable, it's important to consider if a more precise synonym might be appropriate for formal writing. Be mindful of the potential for misinterpreting the context and choose the most accurate word to convey your intended meaning. Remember, while "picking up" is often a great choice, clarity should always be your top priority.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gaining momentum

Focuses on the increase in speed or force, similar to "picking up" speed.

gathering pace

Emphasizes the gradual increase in speed, similar to "picking up" the pace.

accelerating

Highlights the act of speeding up, akin to "picking up" speed.

gaining traction

Implies increasing support or popularity, similar to "picking up" support.

on the rise

Focuses on the increase in quantity or intensity, similar to "picking up" in sales.

making headway

Indicates progress being made, similar to "picking up" progress.

intensifying

Highlights the increase in strength or intensity, akin to "picking up" intensity.

resuming

Implies the act of starting again, similar to "picking up" where one left off.

rebounding

Focuses on recovering after a decline, similar to "picking up" after a fall.

retrieving

Highlights the act of getting something back, similar to "picking up" an object.

FAQs

How can I use "picking up" in a sentence?

"Picking up" can be used in various contexts, such as "The economy is "picking up steam"" or "I'm "picking up dinner" on the way home".

What's the difference between "picking up" and "gathering"?

"Picking up" often implies a gradual or incidental collection, while "gathering" suggests a more deliberate and organized collection. For example, you might "pick up" new habits incidentally, but you "gather" data systematically.

What are some synonyms for "picking up" when referring to speed?

When referring to increasing speed, alternatives to "picking up" include "accelerating", "gaining momentum", or "gathering pace".

Is "picking up" appropriate for formal writing?

While "picking up" is versatile, consider more formal alternatives like "improving", "increasing", or "recovering", depending on the specific context, especially in academic or professional settings.