picks things up quickly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "picks things up quickly" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone who learns or adapts to new information or skills rapidly. Example: "She picks things up quickly, making her an excellent candidate for the job." Alternative expressions include "learns quickly," "grabs concepts fast," and "adapts swiftly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

That will mean adjusting to a new position, but Ms. Torres says that's not a problem.. "She picks things up quickly," Ms. Torres said.

The New York Times

She just picks things up quickly".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

On Day 4, Wilkens said Johnson was picking things up quickly.

The New York Times - Sports

The key he says, it is to make sure you're doing it properly, rather than trying to pick things up quickly.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I just found some good people who did and you pick things up quickly when you are totally immersed in a new world".

The Guardian

In the end, our fear that there was too much stuff to get through were unfounded - the students picked things up quickly, and soon had some great-looking pages.

The Guardian

She attributed her impact at eBay to her ability to learn and pick things up quickly, and think thoroughly about how to solve any problem.

Duke University

"I came to COC and picked things up quickly.

Los Angeles Times

"He picks things up far too quickly and reaches the inevitable conclusion much too soon.

The Guardian

He picks things up so quickly, and now he just goes out into the garden and picks things to eat.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I would put myself up with them [the bright students who pick things up quickly], or even I would hope beyond them, because of the other experiences I have in life.' R1 453 -61 As noted, students were also acutely aware of the career options available and wider trends and circumstances may thwart or enhance their career trajectories.

BMC Oral Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When praising someone's ability to learn quickly, use "picks things up quickly" to convey efficiency and adaptability. It’s suitable in both professional and casual settings.

Common error

While "picks things up quickly" is useful, avoid using it repeatedly in the same piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "learns rapidly" or "grasps concepts easily" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "picks things up quickly" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used as a predicate or part of a predicate, to characterize someone's ability to learn or understand new information rapidly. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "picks things up quickly" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe someone's ability to learn or understand new information rapidly. According to Ludwig, the phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Academia contexts. While versatile, it's important to vary your language with synonyms to prevent overuse. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability, noting its suitability for various scenarios while leaning towards informal contexts due to its idiomatic nature. Consider alternatives such as "learns rapidly" or "grasps concepts easily" depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

understands quickly

Directly states the speed of understanding, simplifying the concept.

is a quick learner

Describes someone as being a fast learner in general.

learns rapidly

Emphasizes the speed of learning, similar to picking things up quickly.

catches on fast

An idiomatic alternative emphasizing quick comprehension.

gets the hang of things quickly

Idiomatic phrase that captures the essence of learning something rapidly.

grasps concepts easily

Focuses on the ease of understanding concepts, highlighting comprehension.

figures things out fast

Highlights the ability to solve problems and understand situations quickly.

acquires knowledge swiftly

Highlights the quick acquisition of knowledge, emphasizing efficiency.

absorbs information rapidly

Emphasizes the speed of information absorption.

masters new skills readily

Focuses on mastering skills with ease and speed.

FAQs

How can I use "picks things up quickly" in a sentence?

You can use "picks things up quickly" to describe someone's learning ability, for example: "She "picks things up quickly", making her an asset to the team."

What's a more formal way to say "picks things up quickly"?

In a formal context, you could say "learns rapidly" or "acquires knowledge swiftly" instead of "picks things up quickly".

What can I say instead of "picks things up quickly" to emphasize understanding?

To emphasize understanding, consider using phrases like "grasps concepts easily" or "understands quickly".

Is it appropriate to use "picks things up quickly" in a professional setting?

Yes, "picks things up quickly" is generally appropriate in professional settings, especially when providing feedback or describing someone's capabilities. However, be mindful of your audience and consider using more formal alternatives like "is a quick learner" for very formal communications.