Quick Definition
Pick Up — To lift something from a surface; to collect a person by vehicle; to learn casually; to improve.
Meanings of Pick Up
| Meaning | Example Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Lift from surface | Pick up your clothes off the floor. | Lift them from the floor. |
| Collect by vehicle | I'll pick you up at eight. | I'll collect you in the car. |
| Learn casually | She picked up Spanish while living in Madrid. | She learned it informally. |
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Meaning in Context |
|---|---|
| Pick up your clothes off the floor. | Lift them from the floor. |
| I'll pick you up at eight. | I'll collect you in the car. |
| She picked up Spanish while living in Madrid. | She learned it informally. |
| "Don't worry -- I'll pick up it." | Using it in a short reassurance. |
Grammar Notes
Separability & Transitivity
Type: separable | Transitivity: transitive / intransitive
Transitive and separable: pick the book up or pick up the book. Pronoun always before particle: pick it up.
How to Use Pick Up
Neutral. All three meanings are common in everyday speech.
| Register | Example / Notes |
|---|---|
| Informal / Spoken | Pick up your clothes off the floor. |
| Neutral / Written | Consider context; single-word synonyms may suit formal writing. |
Similar Phrasal Verbs
Practise Pick Up
Practice English Phrasal Verbs
Use these exercises to master phrasal verbs in context:
Frequently Asked Questions about Pick Up
What does "Pick Up" mean?
"Pick Up" means: To lift something from a surface; to collect a person by vehicle; to learn casually; to improve. It is a transitive / intransitive phrasal verb rated CEFR B1.
Is "Pick Up" separable or inseparable?
"Pick Up" is separable. Transitive and separable: pick the book up or pick up the book. Pronoun always before particle: pick it up.
How do I use "Pick Up" in a sentence?
Pick up your clothes off the floor. -- in this example, 'Pick Up' means lift them from the floor.
What is the register of "Pick Up"?
Neutral. All three meanings are common in everyday speech.
What CEFR level is "Pick Up"?
"Pick Up" is typically taught at CEFR B1 — Intermediate level. It appears frequently in neutral contexts.
What is the difference between "Pick Up" and similar phrasal verbs?
"Pick Up" specifically means: To lift something from a surface; to collect a person by vehicle; to learn casually; to improve. Compare with similar verbs in the 'Similar Phrasal Verbs' section below for nuanced differences.
Can "Pick Up" be used formally?
Neutral. All three meanings are common in everyday speech. When writing formally, consider whether a single-word synonym might be more appropriate for the context.
Does "Pick Up" take an object?
"Pick Up" is transitive / intransitive. Transitive and separable: pick the book up or pick up the book. Pronoun always before particle: pick it up.
How can I practise "Pick Up"?
Use LexFizz's Find the Match and Flip Tiles exercises to practise 'Pick Up' in context. Seeing it in multiple sentences helps the meaning stick.
Is "Pick Up" used in British or American English?
"Pick Up" is used in both British and American English, though register and frequency may vary. Neutral. All three meanings are common in everyday speech.