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Phrasal verbs "catch up" vs "pick up"

Differences between catch up and pick up

Catch up means to reach the same level or pace as someone or something that is ahead, while pick up means to lift or take something up from a surface or to learn or acquire a new skill or knowledge.

Meanings and Definitions: catch up vs pick up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Catch up

  • 1Get work, etc, up to date..

    I was ill for a fortnight and now I've got to CATCH UP on the work I missed.

  • 2Reach someone who was ahead of you.

    He started well, but I CAUGHT him UP on the third lap.

Pick up

  • 1Improve.

    Sales PICKED UP a bit during the Christmas period.

  • 2Learn quickly.

    She PICKED UP Spanish in six months.

  • 3Collect.

    While you're in town, can you PICK UP my trousers from the Dry Cleaner?

  • 4Receive ( a broadcast ).

    When we rent a holiday cottage in Cornwall, we can't PICK UP Channel 5.

  • 5Collect ( a person ). This differs from the' collect a thing' meaning - as that means' collect and bring back' whereas this means either ( i )' collect and drop off on your way' or ( ii )' collect and bring to the same destination'..

    i ) Can you PICK me UP and take me to The George when you go to the party? ii ) Can you PICK UP some friends of mine on your way to the party? They're going too.

Usage Examples: catch up, pick up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

catch up

Example

I need to catch up on my homework this weekend.

Example

She catches up on her favorite TV shows during the weekend.

pick up

Example

I need to pick up my dry cleaning today.

Example

She picks up her kids from school every day.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Catch up

keep up with

To maintain the same level or pace as someone or something that is ahead.

Example

She had to run faster to keep up with her friend who was a professional athlete.

get up to speed

To become familiar or knowledgeable about a topic or situation.

Example

After joining the new team, he spent a few weeks to get up to speed with their projects and goals.

make up lost ground

To regain progress or advancement that was lost due to a setback or delay.

Example

After being sick for a week, she had to work hard to make up lost ground and finish her project on time.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pick up

lift up

To raise or elevate something from a surface or position.

Example

He had to lift up the heavy box to move it to the other room.

acquire a skill

To learn or gain a new ability or expertise.

Example

She decided to acquire a new skill by taking a cooking class on weekends.

grasp the basics

To understand or learn the fundamental principles or concepts of a subject or activity.

Example

He spent a few hours to grasp the basics of coding before starting his own website.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Differences in catch up vs pick up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: catch up or pick up?

In daily conversation, people use pick up more often than catch up. This is because pick up is used for more daily tasks and routines such as picking up objects or learning new skills. Catch up is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about catching up with someone who is ahead of us. So, while both phrases are used, pick up is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of catch up and pick up

Catch up and pick up are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of catch up and pick up

The tone of catch up and pick up can differ based on context. Catch up often carries a competitive or urgent tone when related to reaching a goal or keeping up with someone, while pick up typically has a practical and curious tone, especially when referring to learning new skills or picking up objects.

catch up & pick up: Synonyms and Antonyms

Catch up

Synonyms

Antonyms

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