Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding 'Picks Up': Definition, Uses, Examples

"When life knocks us down, wisdom picks up the pieces to build stronger foundations for future adventures and opportunities."

📖 Definition

To 'pick up' means to collect, acquire, or lift something. It is used for gaining new information, skills, or physical items. It can also refer to increasing speed or intensity in an activity or situation.

Examples in context

After lunch, he picks up his guitar and plays soothing tunes on the porch.
The detective picked up several clues at the crime scene that led to the suspect's arrest.
She picks up speed as she approaches the finish line, determined to win the race.

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

The object can come between or after the verb and particle.

Neutral

Used in everyday formal and informal situations.

Transitive

Yes

It requires a direct object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	picks up	She picks up new languages easily.
Past Simple	picked up	He picked up the package from the post office.
Present Continuous	picking up	They are picking up groceries for the week.
Present Perfect	have picked up	We have picked up some interesting habits abroad.

💡 When to Use

Gaining new skills or knowledge

Use 'picks up' when someone acquires a new skill or learns something not previously known.

Example: "She picked up skiing during her trip to the Alps."

Collecting physical items

'Picks up' is used when someone physically collects or lifts objects.

Example: "He picked up his sister from school every day."

Increasing pace or intensity

When talking about activities getting more intense or faster, you can use 'picks up'.

Example: "The storm began to pick up as the night fell."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Wrong particle use

❌ Wrong: She picks down the book.

✅ Correct: She picks up the book.

💡 Tip: Remember, 'up' implies lifting or acquiring.

Incorrect object placement

❌ Wrong: Picks quickly up new skills.

✅ Correct: Picks up new skills quickly.

💡 Tip: The object usually follows ‘pick up’ together.

Using intransitively

❌ Wrong: She always picks up.

✅ Correct: She always picks up the keys.

💡 Tip: It needs an object to complete its meaning.

Practice

PICKS UP - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

After lunch, he picks up his guitar and plays soothing tunes on the porch.
Words Multiplied
2
Listen to example

The detective picked up several clues at the crime scene that led to the suspect's arrest.
Words Multiplied
3
Listen to example

She picks up speed as she approaches the finish line, determined to win the race.
Words Multiplied

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

collects acquires

Antonyms

drop

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The manager ___ the pace of the meeting to finish on time."

picks over

picks up

picks down

picks in

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Picks Up

What is the origin of picks up?

The phrasal verb 'pick up' originates from Old English 'pician' which means to prick or peck. Over time, the phrase evolved to imply lifting or acquiring something.

Can picks up be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Picks up' is versatile and used in both formal and informal contexts. In formal settings, it can describe acquiring skills, while in casual settings, it can refer to everyday actions like collecting items.

What is the difference between picks up and collects?

'Picks up' often implies acquiring informally and spontaneously, while 'collects' suggests a formal, systematic gathering. 'Pick up' can involve learning or gaining skills, whereas 'collect' is for tangible items.

Browse All Words Multiplied Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

PICKS UP - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Picks Up

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega