quick to pick up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quick to pick up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who learns or understands something rapidly. Example: "She is quick to pick up new concepts, making her an excellent student in the advanced class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some have been quick to pick up on Chew Lips.

The Guardian - Music

Political opponents were quick to pick up on Mr Cameron's alleged failure.

Independent

I'm flexible, quick to pick up new skills and eager to learn from others.

The Guardian

Other rightwing blogs were quick to pick up the orchestrated crisis theory.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was like he was very absorbent and very quick to pick up on things.

The Guardian - Music

"Nonnie was quick to pick up how important Miyake was before most people really understood his work," Ms. Goodman said.

The New York Times

"He was really curious and quick to pick up on how things are done," said Mr. Patel.

The New York Times

Members of glamour industries like fashion, film and publishing have been quick to pick up, and propagate, the message.

The New York Times

"The slight worry is that clinicians are very quick to pick up anything that will improve IVF," he said.

The Guardian

With it, his secret is out, and White Pointers are quick to pick up on the fact.

The Guardian - Books

Japanese fashion magazines quick to pick up on street trends are publishing photos with speech bubbles above the girls' heads.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quick to pick up" when you want to highlight someone's ability to learn or understand something with speed and ease. This phrase is particularly effective when describing adaptability or a talent for grasping new concepts quickly.

Common error

Avoid overusing "quick to pick up" in contexts where depth of understanding is more important than speed. While the phrase emphasizes rapid comprehension, it doesn't necessarily convey a thorough or nuanced understanding. Choose language that reflects the desired level of expertise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quick to pick up" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe someone's ability to learn or understand something rapidly. Ludwig highlights its frequent use across various contexts, indicating its versatile nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Wiki

7%

Science & Research

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "quick to pick up" is a versatile and frequently used expression to describe someone's ability to learn or understand something rapidly. According to Ludwig, it functions as an adjective phrase and maintains a generally neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The examples showcase its common usage in news and media, highlighting adaptability and skill acquisition. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, it's important to consider the depth of understanding being conveyed, opting for more nuanced language when appropriate. Ultimately, "quick to pick up" remains a valuable and effective way to praise someone's learning aptitude.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quick to grasp

Highlights the ability to understand complex ideas rapidly.

fast learner

A more concise and direct way to state the ability to learn quickly.

picks up things easily

Informal phrasing emphasizing the ease of understanding.

takes to things quickly

Focuses on how someone rapidly adapts to new things or skills.

adept at learning

Emphasizes skillfulness in learning, rather than the speed.

swift to comprehend

Highlights the speed and thoroughness of understanding.

sharp at understanding

Emphasizes intellectual sharpness and quick comprehension.

apt to learn

Focuses on the natural inclination or tendency to learn quickly.

readily understands

Stresses the ease with which someone comprehends information.

able to learn rapidly

A formal way to express the capacity for rapid learning.

FAQs

How can I use "quick to pick up" in a sentence?

You can use "quick to pick up" to describe someone's ability to learn or understand something rapidly. For example, "She is "quick to pick up" new languages" or "He was "quick to pick up" the nuances of the new software".

What can I say instead of "quick to pick up"?

You can use alternatives like "fast learner", "adept at learning", or "quick to grasp" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "quick to pick up" in formal writing?

Yes, "quick to pick up" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing someone's skills or abilities. However, consider alternatives like "adept at learning" or "able to learn rapidly" for a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "quick to pick up" and "fast learner"?

"Quick to pick up" describes the process of understanding something new, while "fast learner" describes the person's general ability to learn quickly. They are often interchangeable, but "quick to pick up" emphasizes the specific instance of learning.