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Phrasal verbs "pick up" vs "work up"

Differences between pick up and work up

Pick up usually means to lift something or someone from the ground or to learn or acquire a new skill or habit, whereas work up generally means to develop or increase something, such as an emotion, feeling, or appetite.

Meanings and Definitions: pick up vs work 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.

Work up

  • 1To generate or develop (a feeling or emotion).

    I just can’t work up any enthusiasm for this trip.

  • 2To become very excited or emotional.

    The kids had worked themselves up to a fever pitch of excitement.

  • 3To develop or increase.

    We went for a long walk to work up an appetite.

Usage Examples: pick up, work 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.

work up

Example

She tried to work up the courage to speak in front of the audience.

Example

He works up the energy to go for a run every morning.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pick up

learn

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

Example

She decided to learn Spanish by taking classes and practicing with native speakers.

acquire

To gain or obtain something, especially through effort or experience.

Example

He was able to acquire a new job after months of searching and networking.

catch on

To understand or grasp something quickly or easily.

Example

After a few tries, she was able to catch on to the new dance routine and perform it flawlessly.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Work up

build up

To develop or increase something gradually over time.

Example

He needed to build up his stamina before running a marathon, so he started with shorter distances and increased them gradually.

stir up

To cause or provoke a strong emotion or feeling in oneself or others.

Example

The movie stirred up a lot of emotions in her, and she couldn't stop crying for hours.

whip up

To create or prepare something quickly or easily, especially food or drinks.

Example

She was able to whip up a delicious dinner in just 30 minutes using only a few ingredients she had in her fridge.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: pick up or work up?

In daily conversation, people use pick up more often than work up. This is because pick up is used for more daily tasks and routines such as picking up objects or learning new things. Work up is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about developing or increasing something. So, while both phrases are used, pick up is more common in everyday conversation.

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

Pick up and work 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 work up

The tone of pick up and work up can differ based on context. Pick up often carries a practical or curious tone when related to lifting or learning, while work up typically has an emotional or physical tone, especially when referring to developing feelings or appetites.

pick up & work up: Synonyms and Antonyms

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