picks up dirt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "picks up dirt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is collecting or accumulating dirt, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "The old vacuum cleaner struggles to pick up dirt from the carpet."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

A small spinning brush picks up dirt off the corner, pushing it into the path of Roomba's brushes.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

That part performs its task well, though as you can see in the gallery photos below, the grippy portion picks up dirt and dust very easily and will require frequent cleaning to maintain its stickiness.

TechCrunch

Microfiber picks up dirt and debris and traps it in the fibers.

WikiHow

Fondant picks up dirt and other foreign material very quickly so make sure your hands are clean when handling and avoid wearing fuzzy sweaters while working with fondants.

WikiHow

I suggest that you avoid colored grip tape because it picks up dirt and starts to look ratty and terribly over time.

WikiHow

And there is dirty groundwater as well as storm water that picks up dirt and other pollutants from the remaining industries.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It picked up dirt and dust, rolling them into the mouse and jamming the trackball.

Independent

It does not pick up dirt and dust as the gecko walks along.

The New York Times - Science

It is tempting to buy a cheap rug, but it will feel rough and pick up dirt more easily.

Independent

You see the light streaming in through the window, the "No Smoking" sign, the black smudges on the dancers' ankles where their shoes, having picked up dirt from the wooden floor, transferred it to their tights.

The New Yorker

The elastomer tips pick up dirt easily, and the headphones don't keep out sound like plane noises very well.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing cleaning processes, use ""picks up dirt"" to emphasize the action of removing unwanted particles. For example, "This vacuum cleaner efficiently "picks up dirt" from carpets and hard floors."

Common error

While ""picks up dirt"" is perfectly acceptable in most contexts, consider using more formal alternatives like "collects debris" or "accumulates particulate matter" in highly formal or scientific writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "picks up dirt" functions as a verb phrase. It typically describes the action of something collecting or gathering dirt. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. The examples show it used in contexts ranging from describing cleaning appliances to discussing the properties of materials.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

40%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "picks up dirt" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the action of collecting dirt. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is generally correct and suitable for a variety of contexts, though it is more common in neutral or informal writing than in highly formal or scientific contexts. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in describing how cleaning devices work or defining material properties. Related phrases include "collects dirt", "gathers dirt", and "accumulates dirt". While relatively uncommon, "picks up dirt" is readily understood and serves its descriptive purpose effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

collects dirt

Focuses on the action of gathering dirt together.

gathers dirt

Similar to "collects dirt" but with a slightly more passive connotation.

accumulates dirt

Emphasizes the gradual gathering of dirt over time.

traps dirt

Indicates that dirt is being held or confined in a specific location.

attracts dirt

Highlights the property of something causing dirt to adhere to it.

captures dirt

Suggests a more active or forceful collection of dirt.

absorbs dirt

Describes a process where dirt is taken in or soaked up.

becomes soiled

Shifts the focus to the result of dirt accumulation, rather than the act of collecting it.

gets dirty

A more general term for becoming covered in dirt.

ingests dirt

Refers to taking dirt into the body or a system. Less interchangeable, more context-dependent.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "picks up dirt"?

Alternatives include "collects dirt", "gathers dirt", "accumulates dirt", and "traps dirt", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "picks up dirt" appropriate for scientific writing?

While grammatically correct, "picks up dirt" may be considered too informal for some scientific writing. More precise terms like "collects particulate matter" or "accumulates contaminants" might be more suitable depending on the subject.

How can I use "picks up dirt" in a sentence?

Example sentences include: "The Roomba uses a spinning brush that "picks up dirt" off the corner.", "Microfiber "picks up dirt" and debris and traps it in the fibers.", or "Daily vacuuming helps "pick up dirt" and debris before it sinks deep into the carpet."

Which is more accurate, "picks up dirt" or "removes dirt"?

"Removes dirt" implies a more thorough and intentional action of cleaning, while ""picks up dirt"" simply describes the action of collecting dirt, whether intentionally or unintentionally. The best choice depends on the specific context.