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Which is the correct expression?

Phrasal verbs "pick up" vs "take up"

Differences between pick up and take up

Pick up generally means to lift something or someone from the ground or to learn something informally, while take up usually means to begin a new hobby, activity, or habit.

Meanings and Definitions: pick up vs take 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.

Take up

  • 1Fill or occupy time or space.

    An awful lot of my time at work is TAKEN UP with pointless bureaucracy nowadays.

  • 2Make clothes shorter.

    The trousers were too long so I TOOK them UP to make them fit.

  • 3Start a new hobby, pastime, etc..

    He TOOK UP squash as he felt he had to lose some weight.

Usage Examples: pick up, take 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.

take up

Example

She decided to take up painting as a way to relax.

Example

He takes up a new hobby every year to challenge himself.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pick up

To learn something informally as it happens or while doing it.

Example

He had no experience in cooking, but he managed to learn on the fly and prepare a delicious meal.

snatch up

To quickly take or grab something, especially before someone else does.

Example

She snatched up the last piece of cake before anyone else could get to it.

gather up

To collect or assemble things that are scattered or spread out.

Example

He started to gather up his tools and equipment after finishing the repair work.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Take up

To begin a new activity, habit, or practice.

Example

She decided to start doing yoga to improve her flexibility and reduce stress.

To start a new project, journey, or adventure.

Example

He embarked on a new career path after realizing his passion for photography.

To become interested or involved in a new activity or hobby.

Example

She got into painting after taking a few classes and discovering her talent.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: pick up or take up?

In daily conversation, people use pick up more often than take up. This is because pick up has multiple meanings and can be used in various contexts. On the other hand, take up is more specific and used less frequently. It's mainly used when we're talking about starting a new activity or habit. So, while both phrases are used, pick up is more common in everyday conversation.

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

Pick up and take 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 take up

The tone of pick up and take up can differ based on context. Pick up often carries a practical or informal tone when related to lifting objects or learning informally, while take up typically has a more enthusiastic and motivated tone, especially when referring to starting a new hobby or activity.

pick up & take up: Synonyms and Antonyms

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