please pick up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "please pick up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when requesting someone to collect or retrieve something, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "Could you please pick up the groceries on your way home?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Please pick up".

The New York Times

"Lin Fanghui, please pick up the phone".

The New Yorker

"Please pick up! Josh needs help!

The New York Times

And please: pick up your pamphlets before they flutter onto the track and cause a fire.

The New York Times

ILENE, please pick up the phone!" boomed the voice over the loudspeaker Monday evening.

The New York Times

When CNET next calls, please pick up the phone and let this debate begin.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Fleetwood manager Micky Mellon told BBC Radio Lancashire: "I'm pleased picking up a result but I think the occasion showed in the way we played.

BBC

When I see someone tossing trash on the street, I take a deep breath and, keeping my voice on an even keel, ask politely if the offender would please pick it up.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, if you would like to see some very good — perhaps even perfect — cartoons, you can find them in our second annual "Cartoons of the Year" special edition, which is, as they say, "ON NEWSSTANDS NOW!" That is, unless it's fallen off, in which case, please pick it up off the floor, then buy it.

The New Yorker

There are only 200 tickets, so if you want to come please pick one up ASAP.

TechCrunch

There are only 200 tickets, so if you want to come, please pick one up ASAP.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "please pick up" in written communication, consider your audience and adjust the tone accordingly. For formal settings, consider using alternatives like "kindly collect" or "please retrieve".

Common error

Avoid using "please pick up" in highly formal documents or professional emails. Opt for more formal alternatives to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please pick up" functions primarily as an imperative, used to politely request someone to collect or retrieve something. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase is a standard and acceptable way to make such requests in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "please pick up" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for politely requesting someone to collect or retrieve something. Ludwig confirms its acceptability across various contexts, though its formality can be adjusted using alternatives like "kindly collect" for professional settings. The phrase is predominantly found in News & Media, and it serves the communicative purpose of prompting action while maintaining politeness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kindly collect

More formal alternative, suitable for professional settings.

please retrieve

Offers a slightly more formal and precise alternative.

could you grab

More casual and colloquial, suitable for informal conversations.

would you fetch

Slightly old-fashioned but polite, implies bringing something back.

please take

Emphasizes possession rather than the act of collecting.

can you collect

A direct and simple request, less emphasis on politeness.

please go get

Informal and emphasizes the action of going to obtain something.

I ask that you collect

A very formal and somewhat indirect request.

ensure you pick up

Stresses the importance of the action being carried out.

make sure to grab

Highlights the importance of remembering to collect something.

FAQs

How can I use "please pick up" in a sentence?

You can use "please pick up" to politely request someone to collect or retrieve something, such as "please pick up the laundry" or "please pick up the package".

What are some alternatives to "please pick up"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "kindly collect", "please retrieve", or "could you grab".

Is it grammatically correct to say "please pick up"?

Yes, "please pick up" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to make a polite request for someone to collect something.

When is it appropriate to use "please pick up" versus "kindly collect"?

"Please pick up" is suitable for informal or casual situations, while "kindly collect" is better suited for formal or professional settings.