Differences between pick up and wait up
Pick up usually means to lift something or someone from the ground or to collect something, while wait up means to slow down or pause to allow someone to catch up.
Meanings and Definitions: pick up vs wait 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.
Wait up
- 1Not go to bed because you are waiting.
I was worried and WAITED UP until they got home safe and sound.
Usage Examples: pick up, wait 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.
wait up
Example
Please wait up for me; I'll be home soon.
Example
She always waits up for her husband when he works late.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pick up
To gather or bring together things or people.
Example
I need to collect my clothes from the dry cleaners before they close.
To raise or move something or someone to a higher position.
Example
Can you help me lift this heavy box onto the shelf?
To take hold of something quickly and firmly.
Example
I need to grab my keys before I leave the house.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Wait up
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “pick”
Phrasal Verbs with “wait”
Differences in pick up vs wait up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: pick up or wait up?
In daily conversation, people use pick up more often than wait up. This is because pick up is used for more daily tasks and routines such as picking up groceries or picking up a phone call. Wait up is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about waiting for someone to catch up. So, while both phrases are used, pick up is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of pick up and wait up
Pick up and wait 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 wait up
The tone of pick up and wait up can differ based on context. Pick up often carries a practical or helpful tone when related to lifting objects or collecting things, while wait up typically has a friendly and concerned tone, especially when referring to waiting for someone to catch up.
