she picked up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she picked up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone taking hold of or collecting something, or when referring to someone acquiring a skill or knowledge. Example: "After a long day at work, she picked up her bag and headed home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She picked up a plate.

The New Yorker

She picked up a paperback.

The New York Times

She picked up a thigh.

The New Yorker

She picked up her glass.

The New Yorker

She picked up the pieces.

Stanford University

She picked up infections.

The Guardian

Unsurprisingly, she picked up an Oscar nomination.

Independent

She picked up a forkful of salad.

The New Yorker

Then she picked up her glass.

The New Yorker

She picked up sewing, knitting, and needlepoint.

The New Yorker

In September, she picked up the phone.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "she picked up" to describe the action of physically lifting or taking something, ensuring the object is clearly identified for context. For example, "She picked up the book from the table."

Common error

Avoid using "she picked up" without specifying what was picked up. This can lead to ambiguity. Always provide clear context regarding the object or skill being acquired.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she picked up" primarily functions as a verb phrase within a sentence. According to Ludwig, it's used to describe the action of physically grasping something or acquiring a new skill or habit, as illustrated in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "she picked up" is a versatile expression predominantly used to describe either physically grasping an object or acquiring a skill or piece of information. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and wide acceptance, particularly within news and media contexts. While "she picked up" is common and broadly applicable, consider alternatives like "she grabbed" or "she acquired" to add nuance or precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she grabbed

Focuses on the act of seizing or grasping something quickly.

she took hold of

Emphasizes the act of gaining control or possession of something.

she acquired

Highlights the process of gaining a skill or knowledge.

she learned

Specifically refers to gaining knowledge or skill through study or experience.

she obtained

Suggests a more formal or deliberate process of getting something.

she lifted

Specifically refers to raising something physically.

she selected

Implies a choice was made in taking something.

she chose

Similar to selected, but may imply stronger preference.

she started

Focuses on the beginning of an activity or pursuit.

she commenced

Suggests a more formal start to an activity or pursuit.

FAQs

What does "she picked up" mean?

The phrase "she picked up" can mean that a person physically lifted something, like "She picked up the phone", or that they acquired a new skill or habit, such as "She picked up Spanish while living in Mexico".

What can I say instead of "she picked up" when referring to learning a skill?

When talking about acquiring a skill, you could use alternatives like "she learned", "she acquired", or "she mastered" depending on the context.

How can I use "she picked up" in a sentence?

You can use "she picked up" in a sentence to describe someone lifting something (e.g., "She picked up her keys") or to describe someone learning something new (e.g., "She picked up coding quickly").

What is the difference between "she picked up" and "she took up"?

"She picked up" can refer to both physically lifting something and acquiring a skill, while "she took up" usually refers to starting a new hobby or activity. For example, "She picked up the baby" versus "She took up painting".