Differences between pick through and pick up
Pick through means to carefully examine a group of things in order to select what is useful or valuable, while pick up means to lift something from the ground or to learn something new.
Meanings and Definitions: pick through vs pick up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Pick through
- 1Search something that is disordered for something.
The police have been PICKING THROUGH the wreckage for clues.
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: pick through, pick up in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
pick through
Example
She picked through the pile of clothes to find her favorite shirt.
Example
He picks through the box of old photos to find a picture of his grandparents.
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 Pick through
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pick up
lift up
To raise something from the ground or a lower position.
Example
He had to lift up the heavy box to put it on the shelf.
To gain or obtain something, especially a new skill or knowledge.
Example
She decided to acquire a new language by taking online classes.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “pick”
Phrasal Verbs with “through”
Differences in pick through vs pick up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: pick through or pick up?
In daily conversation, pick up is more commonly used than pick through. This is because pick up is used for more routine tasks such as picking up objects from the ground or learning new skills. Pick through is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about searching for something specific or selecting items from a group.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of pick through and pick up
Pick through 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 pick through and pick up
The tone of pick through and pick up can differ based on context. Pick through often carries a careful or meticulous tone when related to examining or selecting items, while pick up typically has a practical and casual tone, especially when referring to lifting objects or acquiring new skills.
