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Phrasal verbs "pick up" vs "slow up"

Differences between pick up and slow up

Pick up means to lift something or someone from the ground or to improve or increase in speed, while slow up means to reduce or decrease in speed.

Meanings and Definitions: pick up vs slow 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.

Slow up

  • 1Slow the progress of something.

    The negotiations were SLOWED UP by the arguments.

Usage Examples: pick up, slow 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.

slow up

Example

The heavy traffic slowed up our journey.

Example

The construction work slows up the traffic every morning.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pick up

learn

To acquire knowledge or skill through study, experience, or teaching.

Example

She decided to learn Spanish and started taking classes at the community center.

get better at

To improve or become more skilled at doing something.

Example

He practiced every day to get better at playing the piano and eventually performed in a recital.

master

To become highly skilled or proficient in a particular subject or activity.

Example

After years of training, he was able to master the art of martial arts and opened his own dojo.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Slow up

slow down

To reduce or decrease in speed.

Example

The driver had to slow down when approaching the intersection to avoid an accident.

drag one's feet

To delay or procrastinate in doing something.

Example

He kept dragging his feet on finishing the project, causing it to be delayed.

hit the brakes

To suddenly reduce speed or stop a vehicle.

Example

The car in front of us suddenly stopped, so we had to hit the brakes to avoid a collision.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “slow”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: pick up or slow up?

In daily conversation, people use pick up more often than slow up. This is because pick up is used for a variety of situations such as picking up objects, people, or skills. Slow up is not used as much and is often replaced by more common phrases like 'slow down'.

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

Pick up and slow 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 slow up

The tone of pick up and slow up can differ based on context. Pick up often carries a positive or enthusiastic tone when related to learning or improving, while slow up typically has a negative or frustrated tone, especially when referring to delays or obstacles.

pick up & slow up: Synonyms and Antonyms

Slow up

Synonyms

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