What are the definitions of “pick yourself up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Recover from a fall or problem.
It took him a long time to PICK HIMSELF UP after his wife left him.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pick yourself up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pick yourself up is to recover from a fall, problem, or difficult situation. It means to regain your strength, confidence, or emotional stability after experiencing a setback or challenge.
What are the different verb forms of “pick yourself up”?
| Root Verb | pick yourself up |
| Third Person Singular Present | picks himself/herself up |
| Present Participle | picking yourself up |
| Simple Past | picked yourself up |
| Past Participle | picked yourself up |
Example
After losing her job, she had to pick herself up and start looking for a new one.
Example
He always picks himself up quickly after a failure.
Example
She is picking herself up after the breakup and focusing on her career.
Example
I picked myself up after the accident and continued with my life.
Example
She had picked herself up after many setbacks in her life.
What kind of phrasal verb is “pick yourself up”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“pick yourself up” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
After the divorce, he had to pick himself up and move on.
Example
She picked herself up after the failure and tried again.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“pick yourself up” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
After the divorce, he had to pick himself up and move on.
Example
She picked herself up after the failure and tried again.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pick yourself up”?
Good things to know
Does “pick yourself up” have an informal or formal tone?
Pick yourself up is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used in both casual and more formal settings, depending on the context. However, in very formal situations, it might be more appropriate to use synonyms like 'recover' or 'regain one's composure'.
