recently picked up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "recently picked up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been acquired or learned not long ago. Example: "I have recently picked up a new hobby, which is painting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Google is also getting heavily into the content business, while Bloomberg recently picked up BusinessWeek.

The Washington Post

The 25-year-old recently picked up her fourth Oscar nomination for her lead in Joy.

Independent

Infections have recently picked up pace too, more than doubling in the past eight weeks.

The Economist

Although Morgan lost some clients after the scandals, it has recently picked up some big ones.

The New York Times

It's recently picked up additional supporters on both sides of the political spectrum.

MIT Technology Review

Several senior government officials said they had recently picked up a possible clue.

The New York Times

I recently picked up Anita Brookner's LOOK AT ME because the title intrigued me.

The New York Times - Books

Her videos were recently picked up by TasteTV, a video-on-demand channel.

The New York Times

The HBO miniseries recently picked up quite a few Bafta nominations, as well.

The Guardian - Film

She recently picked up a prize from Boston Magazine for the best cannoli in town 2013.

The Guardian - Travel

For example, the nice piece of halibut I recently picked up.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "recently picked up", ensure the context clearly indicates what was acquired or learned. For example, specify the skill, item, or knowledge gained to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "recently picked up" without specifying what was acquired or learned. This can lead to confusion. Instead of saying "He recently picked up", specify the object: "He recently picked up a new language".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "recently picked up" functions as a phrasal verb indicating the recent acquisition or learning of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness in written English. It is used to describe actions completed or items obtained in the near past.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "recently picked up" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the recent acquisition of skills, knowledge, or items. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is versatile and applicable in various contexts, as it indicates actions, acquisitions, or even something noticed or understood in the near past. Usage is especially frequent in News & Media, according to available example sentences. When using this phrase, it's important to specify the object of acquisition to avoid ambiguity. The many alternatives (such as "newly acquired" or "newly learned") can provide nuanced variations for more precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

newly acquired

Focuses on the acquisition aspect, emphasizing the newness of the possession or skill.

newly learned

Specifically refers to gaining knowledge or a skill in the recent past.

just obtained

Highlights the act of getting or receiving something very recently.

lately acquired

Similar to "newly acquired" but with a slightly less immediate timeframe.

just started

Emphasizes the beginning of an action or activity in the recent past.

newly adopted

Specifically refers to the recent adoption of a practice, idea, or technology.

recently procured

Implies a more formal or official process of acquiring something.

recently embraced

Suggests a willing and enthusiastic adoption of something new.

shortly received

Focuses on the act of receiving something not long ago.

freshly gained

Emphasizes the freshness or recency of the acquisition.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "recently picked up"?

You can use alternatives like "newly acquired", "newly learned", or "just obtained" depending on the context.

How to use "recently picked up" in a sentence?

You can use "recently picked up" to describe acquiring something new, such as a skill, knowledge, or item. For example: "She recently picked up a new hobby" or "The company recently picked up a new client".

What is the difference between "recently picked up" and "recently discovered"?

"Recently picked up" implies acquiring or learning something, while "recently discovered" suggests finding something that already existed. Use "recently picked up" when referring to skills, habits, or acquisitions, and "recently discovered" when referring to information, objects, or places.

Is it correct to say "recently picked up on" something?

Yes, "recently picked up on" can be used to mean that someone has recently noticed or understood something. For example: "He recently picked up on the subtle clues in the conversation".