Differences between pick up and put up
Pick up usually means to lift something or someone from the ground or a surface, or to learn or acquire a new skill or habit. On the other hand, put up generally means to place something in a higher position or to accommodate someone or something.
Meanings and Definitions: pick up vs put up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
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.
Put up
- 1Allow someone to stay at your house for a night or a few days..
She PUT me UP for the night because I'd missed the last bus and there were no night buses running.
- 2Increase prices, taxes, duties, etc..
The government has PUT tuition fees for undergraduate students UP again.
- 3Show skill or determination in a contest, competition, fight, etc.
They PUT UP a great fight but lost.
Usage Examples: pick up, put up in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
pick up
Example
I need to pick up my dry cleaning today.
Example
She picks up her kids from school every day.
put up
Example
I put up my cousin for the weekend while he was in town.
Example
She puts up her friends whenever they visit the city.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pick up
To acquire knowledge or skills through study, experience, or teaching.
Example
She decided to learn Spanish by taking classes and practicing with native speakers.
To become highly skilled or proficient in a particular subject or activity.
Example
After years of practice, he finally mastered the art of playing the piano.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Put up
To provide lodging, food, or other services for someone or something.
Example
We decided to accommodate our guests by preparing a comfortable room and delicious meals.
To entertain or receive guests in one's home or another location.
Example
She loves to host dinner parties and impress her friends with her cooking skills.
set up
To arrange or prepare something for use or operation.
Example
He helped me set up my new computer and install all the necessary software.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “pick”
Phrasal Verbs with “put”
Phrasal Verbs with “up”
Differences in pick up vs put up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: pick up or put up?
In daily conversation, people use pick up more often than put up. This is because pick up is used for more daily tasks and routines such as picking up objects or learning new things. Put up is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about accommodating someone or something. So, while both phrases are used, pick up is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of pick up and put up
Pick up and put 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 up and put up
The tone of pick up and put up can differ based on context. Pick up often carries a practical or curious tone when related to lifting or learning, while put up typically has a helpful and accommodating tone, especially when referring to hosting or lodging.
