picking up energy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "picking up energy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is gaining enthusiasm, motivation, or vitality, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "After a long week, I finally feel like I'm picking up energy and ready to tackle the weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

We are picking up energy.

The New York Times

The book, by Burton Silver and Heather Busch, contains, in addition to those hilarious images, much helpful instruction for aspiring dancers with cats -- hints about picking up energy field vibrations, for instance, and tapping into the profound energy of feline peace.

The New York Times - Books

They looked at faint UV radiation from photons that ricochet inside the transition region several times, picking up energy from collisions with hydrogen atoms, before escaping.

Science Magazine

That could be India's model dotted with micro changes, the atoms picking up energy from each other, pushing and jostling those around them to move faster, until all the particles begin whizzing around kinetically, pumping up a balloon of spreading prosperity.

Forbes

The player's health is represented by a gauge that can be refilled by picking up energy pellets.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Crab and crayfish fritters, another all-American starter, picks up energy and intensity from well-spiced tartar sauce.

The New York Times - Food

As Malave tired, Lehman seemed to pick up energy and earned a 75-69 viclinchingitshing its first trip to the N.C.A.A. Division III tournament.

The New York Times - Sports

When Ewing went to the bench with three minutes left in the first quarter, the Sonics, ahead by 18-15, seemed to pick up energy.

The New York Times - Sports

The idea of this parasitic power harvesting is to generate power in an ancillary way while people are doing things like walking or typing, or to pick up energy from the body as it breathes, pumps blood and generates heat.

The New York Times - Tech

Peter Knell's "(012) - (01234)" for clarinet, three strings and piano began with a Japanese air — pitches that slid, wavered and flattened nonvibrating notes — but it too picked up energy and threw relentless repetitions at its listeners.

The New York Times - Arts

But when Gunesekera diverts our attention elsewhere, his prose picks up energy — from the crackling banter in the stands at the cricket stadium; from Sunny's young son (who exclaims that he'll "be a camera," peering through his fist as he and his father, on vacation in Wales, walk along a windy beach).

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "picking up energy" to describe a situation where there is a noticeable increase in activity, enthusiasm, or physical strength. It is particularly effective when referring to a process or gradual improvement.

Common error

Do not use "picking up energy" to describe a constant state. This phrase suggests a dynamic process, not a stable condition. Consider using "energetic" or "vigorous" for describing a constant state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "picking up energy" functions as a verb phrase, typically used within a sentence to describe the action of accumulating or increasing energy, whether physical, emotional, or metaphorical. Ludwig AI confirms this based on examples, showing the phrase as an active process.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "picking up energy" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable verb phrase, indicating a process of gaining vitality, momentum, or enthusiasm. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not exceedingly common, it appears frequently enough in reputable sources like The New York Times and Forbes to be considered standard English. The phrase is versatile, fitting well within both neutral and slightly informal registers, making it suitable for a wide range of communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gaining momentum

Refers to an increase in speed or rate of progress, similar to gaining energy.

gathering pace

Describes an increase in speed or intensity.

gaining vitality

Implies an increase in physical or mental vigor, similar to "picking up energy".

regaining strength

Focuses on recovering physical strength, a specific aspect of energy.

building strength

Conveys the idea of progressively increasing physical power.

recovering stamina

Highlights the restoration of endurance and the ability to sustain activity.

energizing oneself

Focuses on the act of invigorating oneself, adding personal agency.

boosting morale

Indicates an increase in confidence or enthusiasm, a form of emotional energy.

increasing enthusiasm

Highlights a growing feeling of excitement and eagerness.

accumulating power

Suggests an increase in influence or capability.

FAQs

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

You can use "picking up energy" to describe a gradual increase in enthusiasm, motivation, or vitality. For example, "The team started "picking up energy" as the deadline approached."

What are some alternatives to "picking up energy"?

Alternatives include "gaining momentum", "gaining vitality", or "regaining strength" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "picked up energy" instead of "picking up energy"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they convey different meanings. "Picking up energy" suggests an ongoing process, while "picked up energy" indicates that the process has already occurred.

What's the difference between "picking up energy" and ""gaining momentum""?

"Picking up energy" often refers to a more general increase in vitality or enthusiasm, while ""gaining momentum"" typically implies progress towards a specific goal or objective.