Differences between pick up and think up
Pick up usually means to lift something or someone from a surface or to learn or acquire a new skill or habit, whereas think up generally means to create or invent something using one's imagination or creativity.
Meanings and Definitions: pick up vs think 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.
Think up
- 1Create or invent something, especially when lying.
I'd better THINK UP a good reason for handing the work in late.
Usage Examples: pick up, think 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.
think up
Example
She needs to think up a good excuse for being late.
Example
He always thinks up creative solutions to problems.
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 and practicing with native speakers.
To gain or obtain something, especially through effort or experience.
Example
He was able to acquire the necessary skills to succeed in his new job.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Think up
To invent or plan something clever or original.
Example
She was able to devise a new system to organize her work and increase productivity.
conjure up
To create or imagine something vividly, often using one's imagination or memory.
Example
The author was able to conjure up a magical world full of wonder and adventure in her book.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “pick”
Phrasal Verbs with “think”
Differences in pick up vs think up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: pick up or think up?
In daily conversation, people use pick up more often than think up. This is because pick up is used for more daily tasks and routines such as picking up objects or learning new skills. Think up is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about creating or inventing something. So, while both phrases are used, pick up is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of pick up and think up
Pick up and think 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 think up
The tone of pick up and think up can differ based on context. Pick up often carries a practical or physical tone when related to lifting or learning, while think up typically has a creative and imaginative tone, especially when referring to inventing or creating something new.
pick up & think up: Synonyms and Antonyms
Pick up
Antonyms
- leave
- ignore
- miss
- deteriorate
- lose
- drop off
- decline
