Differences between pick up and speed up
Pick up usually means to lift something from the ground or to learn something new, whereas speed up generally means to increase the pace or rate of something.
Meanings and Definitions: pick up vs speed 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.
Speed up
- 1To increase the speed of something.
Even modern, quiet fishing trawlers can make this kind of noise if they speed up suddenly and inadvertently hassle the haddock.
Usage Examples: pick up, speed 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.
speed up
Example
We need to speed up our work to meet the deadline.
Example
The car speeds up when it goes downhill.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pick up
To acquire knowledge or skill through study, experience, or being taught.
Example
She decided to learn Spanish by taking classes at the community center.
To find or uncover something previously unknown or hidden.
Example
While cleaning the attic, she discovered an old photo album from her grandparents' wedding.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Speed up
hurry up
To move or act quickly in order to complete a task or reach a destination.
Example
We need to hurry up if we want to catch the last train home.
To increase the speed or rate of something.
Example
The company decided to accelerate the production process to meet the high demand for their products.
To do something quickly and with urgency, often without proper care or attention.
Example
He had to rush his presentation because he was running late for his next meeting.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “pick”
Differences in pick up vs speed up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: pick up or speed up?
In daily conversation, people use pick up more often than speed up. This is because pick up is used for more daily tasks and routines such as picking up objects or learning new skills. Speed up is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about increasing the pace of something. So, while both phrases are used, pick up is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of pick up and speed up
Pick up and speed 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 speed up
The tone of pick up and speed up can differ based on context. Pick up often carries a curious or interested tone when related to learning or discovering something new, while speed up typically has an urgent and practical tone, especially when referring to completing tasks or meeting deadlines.
