Differences between let up and pick up
Let up means to decrease or become less intense, while pick up means to lift something or to improve.
Meanings and Definitions: let up vs pick up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Let up
- 1To continue without stopping or becoming less intense.
She’s a coach who never lets up on her players.
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: let up, pick up in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
let up
Example
I hope the rain lets up soon.
Example
The storm lets up after a few hours.
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 Let up
To become less tight or loose.
Example
He had to slacken his grip on the rope to avoid getting rope burn.
To become less tense or stressed.
Example
After finishing her exams, she finally had time to relax and enjoy her summer break.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pick up
lift up
To raise or elevate something.
Example
He had to lift up the heavy box to put it on the shelf.
To get better or make progress in a skill or activity.
Example
She started to improve her English skills by practicing speaking with native speakers.
To collect or bring together something.
Example
He had to gather all the documents needed for the meeting before leaving the office.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “pick”
Phrasal Verbs with “up”
Differences in let up vs pick up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: let up or pick up?
In daily conversation, people use pick up more often than let up. This is because pick up is used for more daily tasks and routines such as picking up objects or improving skills. Let up is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about the intensity of something. So, while both phrases are used, pick up is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of let up and pick up
Let 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 let up and pick up
The tone of let up and pick up can differ based on context. Let up often carries a relieved or relaxed tone when related to decreasing intensity, while pick up typically has a practical and positive tone, especially when referring to improving skills or picking up objects.
