slightly picked up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly picked up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a minor increase or improvement in something, such as mood, performance, or activity level. Example: "After a long week, my spirits have slightly picked up since I started spending time with friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

MARKET OVERVIEW The property market in Croatia is "generally steady, but coastal areas have slightly picked up since August," thanks in part to foreign buyers, said Ivo Perkovic, a sales agent for First Property Croatia in Split.

The New York Times

Juicy extracts from Campbell's biography have been steaming in the pages of the Daily Mail ("slightly picked up by the Mail", says Campbell as if his agent's lucrative serialisation deal was nothing to do with him) since the weekend.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The skin crisps and blackens slightly, picking up a slight overtone of smoke and funk.

Los Angeles Times

Sure, our heart rate may slightly pick up when we see a State Trooper parked along a road and we quickly glance at our odometer, but these heroes risk their lives each day for each of us.

Huffington Post

After the attack, one of Mr. Hussein's brothers, himself slightly wounded, picked up the blood-stained keffiyeh that his brother had been wearing and wrapped it around his own head, declaring: "I will never remove this until I avenge my brother.

The New York Times

The intensity level eased only slightly as I picked up the Ventura Freeway to traverse the suburbs of the San Fernando Valley.

The New York Times - Travel

House price growth picked up slightly in August, according to Nationwide.

The Guardian - Business

Industrial production picked up slightly in February, though a bout of winter weather hampered growth in manufacturing.

The New York Times

Things picked up slightly, and 61 cars were sold by 1925, when the company was rescued from bankruptcy.

The New York Times

In the last three months of the year, though, investment in the youngest companies picked up slightly, giving hope to entrepreneurs.

The New York Times - Tech

Prospects picked up slightly last year, but it is only now that recruiters are significantly improving their offers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slightly picked up" when you want to emphasize a small or marginal increase. Be mindful of the context, as it implies the increase is not substantial.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly picked up" if the increase is significant. Using it in such cases can downplay the actual extent of the improvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly picked up" functions as a verb phrase indicating a small increase or improvement. Ludwig confirms its validity and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slightly picked up" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to denote a minor increase or improvement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is most commonly found in neutral contexts like news reports, especially in business and economic discussions. While not a very common expression, it effectively conveys a sense of modest growth or recovery. Alternatives include phrases like "marginally improved" or "rose slightly". It is crucial to use this phrase judiciously, ensuring the described increase is indeed small, as overstating the improvement would be misleading.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

improved marginally

Emphasizes the small degree of improvement.

increased subtly

Focuses on the understated nature of the increase.

rose slightly

A more concise way to express a small increase.

grew marginally

Similar to "improved marginally" but with a focus on growth.

recovered somewhat

Suggests a return from a previous decline, but only partially.

advanced modestly

Highlights a limited amount of progress or advancement.

edged up slightly

Implies a gradual and hesitant increase.

rebounded a bit

Suggests a bounce back from a low point, but not fully.

picked up a little

A more informal way to express a small increase.

saw a slight upturn

Emphasizes a change in direction towards an increase.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly picked up" to describe a minor increase or improvement. For example, "House price growth "picked up slightly" in August."

What's a good alternative to "slightly picked up"?

Alternatives include "marginally improved", "increased subtly", or "rose slightly", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "slightly picked up"?

Yes, "slightly picked up" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate a minor increase or improvement.

When should I use "slightly picked up" instead of "significantly increased"?

Use "slightly picked up" when the increase is small and not particularly noteworthy. If the increase is substantial, "significantly increased" or similar phrases are more appropriate.