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 'Pick Up After': Meaning and Usage

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'pick up after' means to clean up or tidy an area by removing items left behind by someone else, often referring to household chores.

Examples in context

She always picks up after her toddler to keep the room tidy.
Someone needs to pick up after the picnic before it starts raining.
Sam hurriedly picked up after the party while everyone else was relaxing.

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'pick up after' means to clean up or tidy an area by removing items left behind by someone else, often referring to household chores.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

The verb and particle can be split, and objects can be placed between them.

Neutral

Suitable for both casual and neutral conversations, often used in domestic contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires a direct object, referring to what or who is being tidied up after.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	pick up after	I pick up after the kids every evening.
Past Simple	picked up after	She picked up after the party last night.
Present Continuous	picking up after	He is constantly picking up after his roommates.
Present Perfect	have picked up after	They have picked up after the guests left.

💡 When to Use

After a family gathering

When cleaning up the home after guests or family members have left, to prevent mess buildup.

Example: "I always pick up after our family dinners."

Following a pet

When cleaning up areas where pets have made a mess, to maintain a clean environment.

Example: "She picks up after her dog during walks."

Office cleaning

When ensuring communal office spaces are tidy after colleagues have used them.

Example: "Someone needs to pick up after the team meetings."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect object placement

❌ Wrong: John picked after his mess up.

✅ Correct: John picked up after his mess.

💡 Tip: Keep 'up' and 'after' together for correct usage.

Using intransitive

❌ Wrong: She picks up after regularly.

✅ Correct: She picks up after her children regularly.

💡 Tip: Remember to include the direct object.

Incorrect tense

❌ Wrong: I have pick up after them.

✅ Correct: I have picked up after them.

💡 Tip: Ensure the verb is in the correct tense.

Practice

PICK UP AFTER - 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

She always picks up after her toddler to keep the room tidy.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

Someone needs to pick up after the picnic before it starts raining.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

Sam hurriedly picked up after the party while everyone else was relaxing.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

clean up after tidy up after

Antonyms

mess up

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"After the celebration, he had to ___ after everyone."

pick

pick up after

picked

picking

"In life, wisdom is knowing who will pick up after us, and the strength to leave them a lighter load."

In Context

During the Victorian era, Charles Dickens, the legendary author, had a profound impact not only through his writing but also in his efforts to pick up after societal neglect. In London, as he walked the streets, Dickens was struck by the harsh conditions faced by the poor and the need to pick up after the apathy of the wealthy. As a young boy, Dickens himself had experienced hardship and was determined to create change. His novels, rich in social commentary, sought to pick up after a society that turned a blind eye to suffering. One of his most enduring works, "A Christmas Carol," illustrated the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge and encouraged readers to pick up after their own neglectful tendencies. Dickens used his success to promote social welfare, advocating for changes in education and labor laws. It was this unwavering dedication to pick up after societal disregard that cemented his legacy, motivating many to follow his charitable path. Dickens’s life and work served as a testament to his belief that literature could cleanse and rebuild, inspiring others to pick up after the plights of humanity.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Pick Up After

What is the origin of pick up after?

The phrase 'pick up after' originated in English-speaking households, reflecting the act of cleaning after others' actions or messes, incorporating a literal sense of tidying up.

Can pick up after be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Pick up after' is generally used in informal or neutral contexts, more often relating to domestic activities and informal settings, and less common in strictly formal situations.

What is the difference between pick up after and clean up after?

'Pick up after' and 'clean up after' are similar, but 'clean up after' can imply a more thorough cleaning, whereas 'pick up after' refers to tidying objects left by someone.

Browse All National Parks 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

PICK UP AFTER - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Pick Up After

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega