picking something up

Meanings

1. 1phrasephrasal verb

   The act of lifting or collecting something, or the continuous form of 'pick up' in various senses.

   Grammar: This is the -ing form of the phrasal verb 'pick up', often used after verbs like 'be' or 'start'.

   Patterns

   • picking something up
   • picking up something

   She is picking up her toys from the floor.

   He was picking up the pieces of the broken vase when I arrived.

   Picking something up from the ground can be difficult if you have back pain.

2. 2phrasephrasal verb

   The act of learning or acquiring a skill or habit gradually, without formal instruction.

   Grammar: Often used with languages or habits: 'picking up a language'.

   Patterns

   • picking up a skill
   • picking something up

   She is picking up Spanish quickly by talking to her neighbors.

   He's picking up bad habits from his new friends.

   Picking up a new skill takes time and practice.

3. 3phrasephrasal verb

   The act of collecting someone or something from a place.

   Grammar: Often used with people or things: 'picking up the kids from school'.

   Patterns

   • picking someone up
   • picking something up

   I'm picking up my sister from the airport at 6 p.m.

   He's picking up the package from the post office.

   Picking up the children from school is my daily routine.

4. 4phrasephrasal verb

   The act of answering a phone or continuing after an interruption.

   Grammar: Often used in the context of phones or conversations: 'picking up the phone'.

   Patterns

   • picking up the phone
   • picking up where we left off

   She's not picking up the phone; maybe she's busy.

   We're picking up where we left off in the meeting.

   Picking up the phone to call a friend can cheer you up.

Common combinations

picking up speed

The car is picking up speed as it goes downhill.

picking up the tab

He insisted on picking up the tab for dinner.

picking up the pieces

After the earthquake, the community is picking up the pieces.

picking up a signal

The radio is picking up a weak signal from the coast.

Synonyms and how they differ

lifting

Focuses on raising something physically; 'picking up' often implies collecting or grabbing.

collecting

Emphasizes gathering items; 'picking up' is more informal and can mean lifting.

acquiring

More formal, used for skills or knowledge; 'picking up' suggests casual learning.

Opposites

Word family

pick up phrasal verb

Base form; to lift, collect, or learn.

pickup noun

A small truck or the act of collecting.

Commonly confused: picking something up or pick up?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “picking something up”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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