things are picking up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "things are picking up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a situation is improving or becoming more active, often in a positive context. Example: "After a slow start to the year, things are picking up in the sales department, and we're seeing an increase in customer interest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

But now things are picking up.

The Economist

"Things are picking up substantially".

The New York Times

Things are picking up a little now".

The Guardian - Money

"I would say things are picking up," she said.

The New York Times

"Hopefully, that means things are picking up," Mr. Vasquez said.

The New York Times

Things are picking up, though I think people are still cautious — architects in particular.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

But now, he said, things were picking up.

The New York Times - Travel

By 2003, things were picking up and my noncompete agreement had expired.

The New York Times

Candace Straight, a banker who heads Mr. Franks's fund-raising effort, insisted that although the candidate had made a slow start, things were picking up.

The New York Times

Ricky Rae, the special events director of Ticket Outlet Inc., said that his ticket brokering business had been slowed by the uncertainty over who was going to become the next president, but that things were picking up.

The New York Times

WPP chief executive Sir Martin Sorrell told the BBC there was some evidence things were picking up in the eurozone.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "things are picking up" to signal a positive change or improvement in a situation, especially after a period of stagnation or decline. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "things are picking up" to describe minor or short-lived improvements that may not represent a genuine, sustained trend. Ensure the positive change is significant and likely to continue before using this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things are picking up" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate that a situation is improving or becoming more active. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts, signaling positive change or progress.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "things are picking up" is a versatile and widely used phrase to express improvement or increased activity in various situations. Ludwig confirms that it's considered grammatically correct and suitable for a range of contexts, from news reports to casual conversations. Its neutral register and positive connotation make it a valuable expression for conveying optimism and reassurance. When using this phrase, ensure that the improvement is significant and likely to continue, and consider alternatives like "the situation is improving" for more formal settings. With a strong presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, its reliability and appropriateness are well-established.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the situation is improving

Indicates a general improvement in circumstances.

conditions are getting better

Emphasizes the amelioration of existing conditions.

business is improving

Focuses specifically on the improvement of business conditions.

the economy is recovering

Specifically refers to economic recovery.

progress is being made

Highlights the advancement and progress in a certain endeavor.

we're on the upswing

Describes a phase of rising or improvement after a decline.

activity is increasing

Indicates a rise in activity levels.

momentum is building

Suggests a growing sense of forward movement and drive.

the tide is turning

Implies a shift from negative to positive circumstances.

there's light at the end of the tunnel

Offers a hopeful perspective on overcoming challenges.

FAQs

How can I use "things are picking up" in a sentence?

You can use "things are picking up" to indicate improvement in a variety of contexts. For example, you might say, "After a slow start, things are picking up in the real estate market."

What's a more formal alternative to "things are picking up"?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "the situation is improving" or "conditions are getting better".

Is it appropriate to use "things are picking up" in business writing?

Yes, "things are picking up" is acceptable in business writing, especially when discussing positive trends or improvements. However, ensure the tone aligns with the formality of the specific context.

What does it mean when someone says "things are picking up"?

When someone says "things are picking up", they generally mean that a situation is improving, becoming more active, or showing signs of progress after a period of stagnation or decline. It usually carries a positive connotation.