B1 Prepositions 18 min read 中等

短语动词: Pick up (捡起,接送,接听)

掌握 'pick up' 就像拿到了日常生活的万能钥匙,帮你轻松应对 «接人»、«取物» 和 «学技能» 等各种场景。

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

A versatile phrasal verb used for lifting objects, collecting people, answering phones, and learning new skills naturally.

  • Use it for physical lifting: 'Can you pick up that pen?' (max 20 words)
  • Use it for collecting: 'I will pick you up at 8 PM.'
  • If using a pronoun (it/them), put it in the middle: 'Pick it up.'
Subject + Pick + (Object) + Up + (Object)

Overview

### Overview
Pick up 这个短语在英语里非常非常常用,简直是日常对话的“万金油”。它由动词 pick 和介词(或者说副词)up 组成,但组合在一起之后,意思就变得非常丰富,而且会根据上下文变化。掌握 pick up 的各种用法,能让你的英语听起来更地道,沟通更顺畅。对于 B1 阶段的学习者来说,这是一个必须掌握的重点,因为它出现的频率太高了!
你可能会觉得,pick 的意思是“捡”,up 的意思是“向上”,合在一起不就是“向上捡”吗?没错,这是它最基本的意思。但英语就是这么神奇,把很多小词组合起来,就能创造出全新的、和字面意思不一样的意思。Pick up 就是一个典型的例子,它的用法可以从物理上的“捡起”延伸到“接人”、“接电话”、“学会技能”、“生意好转”,甚至“察觉到气味”等等。是不是很神奇?
这篇指南会带你深入了解 pick up 的核心意思,怎么构成句子,容易犯哪些错误,以及和哪些相似的表达有什么区别。学完之后,你就能自信地在各种场合使用它了。
### How This Grammar Works
Pick up 之所以意思这么丰富,是因为它属于“短语动词”(Phrasal Verb)。短语动词就是由一个动词加一个或多个副词或介词组成的。这里的 up,虽然有时有“向上”的意味,但更多时候是改变了 pick 的基本意思,赋予它新的含义。
你可以这样理解:pick 本身有“挑选”、“捡”、“拿起”的意思。而 up 的加入,常常会带来“完成”、“提高”、“聚集”、“获得”等概念。
在 B1 阶段,我们主要会遇到 pick up 的以下几种核心用法,它们都围绕着“获得”或“收集”这个基本概念,但具体情境不同:
  • 物理上的拿起或捡拾:这是最直接、最字面的意思,就是把东西从低处拿到手里,或者把散落的东西收集起来。
  • 例子:Could you pick up that dropped pen? (你能把掉在地上的笔捡起来吗?)
  • 去某个地方接人或取物:这个意思更进一步,表示你需要去一个地方,把人或东西带回来。通常带有“去一趟”的含义。
  • 例子:I need to pick up my sister from school. (我需要去学校接我妹妹。)
  • 接听电话:这是一个非常固定的用法,专门指拿起电话筒(即使是现在用手机,也这么说)来接听来电。
  • 例子:Please pick up the phone; it might be important. (请接一下电话,可能很重要。)
  • (非正式地)学会或掌握某项技能、语言、习惯:这种用法强调的是通过接触、模仿或者自然而然地学会,而不是通过正规的、系统的学习。
  • 例子:She picked up Spanish quickly while living in Madrid. (她在马德里住的时候,很快就学会了西班牙语。)
  • (生意、活动等)好转、增多、加强:用来描述情况开始变得更好、更活跃或更有起色。
  • 例子:Business really started to pick up last quarter. (上个季度生意开始真正好转了。)
  • 侦测到、接收到(信号、气味等):指能够接收到微弱的信号,或者察觉到某种不易察觉的气味。
  • 例子:The dog can pick up scents from miles away. (这只狗能闻到几英里外的气味。)
你看,同一个 pick up,在不同的语境下,意思差别这么大。这就是英语短语动词的魅力,也是学习的难点。
### Formation Pattern
Pick up 是一个“可分离”的短语动词(Separable Phrasal Verb)。这意味着,当它后面跟了一个宾语(object)时,这个宾语可以放在 up 的后面,也可以放在 pickup 中间。
基本结构是:pick + up + object 或者 pick + object + up
但是,这里有一个非常重要的规则,当宾语是代词(pronoun)时,它必须放在 pickup 中间! 这一点非常非常重要,是区分对错的关键。
我们来看一下:
1. 当宾语是名词(noun)时
名词可以放在 up 的后面,也可以放在 pickup 中间。两种都可以,都很自然。
  • He will pick up the package later. (他晚点会来取包裹。)
  • He will pick the package up later. (同上,也很自然。)
  • Can you pick up my dry cleaning? (你能去拿我的干洗衣服吗?)
  • Can you pick my dry cleaning up? (同上,也很自然。)
2. 当宾语是代词(pronoun)时(比如 it, them, him, her, us, you 等)
代词必须放在 pickup 中间。这是硬性规定,不能违反。
  • I asked her to pick it up. (我让她把它捡起来/拿走。) 正确
  • I asked her to pick up it. (这种说法是错误的!)
  • He needs to pick them up from the station. (他需要去车站接他们。) 正确
  • He needs to pick up them from the station. (这种说法是错误的!)
为什么会有这个规则呢?你可以理解为,代词通常比较短,而且在句子中常常是不重读的,所以它更倾向于紧贴着动词,形成一个紧密的整体 pick + pronoun,然后再接 up
下面这个表格帮你总结一下:
| 宾语类型 | 结构模式 | 正确的例子 | 代词的错误例子 |
| :------- | :------------------- | :------------------------- | :------------------------- |
| 名词 | pick + Noun + up | Pick the book up. | N/A |
| | pick + up + Noun | Pick up the book. | N/A |
| 代词 | pick + Pronoun + up | Pick it up. Pick them up. | Pick up it. Pick up them. |
记住这个口诀:“名词前后随便站,代词必须夹中间!”
### When To Use It
Pick up 这个短语动词的用法非常广泛,几乎渗透到我们日常生活的方方面面。下面我们根据不同的意思,来看看在什么具体情况下会用到它:
1. 物理上的拿起或捡拾
这是最基本的意思,指用手把东西从表面上拿起来,或者把散落的东西收集起来。
  • Could you pick up the keys you dropped? (你能把掉的钥匙捡起来吗?)
  • The children were asked to pick up all their toys before dinner. (孩子们被要求晚饭前把他们所有的玩具都收起来。)
  • He bent down to pick up a seashell from the beach. (他弯下腰,从沙滩上捡起一个贝壳。)
2. 去某个地方接人或取物
这是非常非常常用的意思,尤其是在约时间和别人见面,或者去商店、服务点取东西的时候。
  • I'll pick you up from the airport at 8 PM. (晚上八点我去机场接你。)(接人)
  • She stopped at the bakery to pick up a cake. (她在面包店停下来,去取一个蛋糕。)(取物)
  • Don't forget to pick up your laundry from the dry cleaner's on Friday. (别忘了星期五去干洗店取你的衣物。)(取物)
3. 接听电话
这是一个固定搭配,专门用来指接听电话。不管你用的是座机还是手机,都可以这么说。
  • The phone has been ringing for five minutes; aren't you going to pick it up? (电话响了五分钟了,你难道不接吗?)
  • I called him repeatedly, but he wouldn't pick up. (我反复打他电话,但他都不接。)
  • My boss called, and I picked up immediately. (我老板打来了电话,我立刻就接了。)
4. (非正式地)学会或掌握某项技能、语言、习惯
这个用法强调的是通过接触、模仿或者在特定环境中自然而然地学会某样东西,而不是通过刻苦、系统的学习。
  • I picked up a few phrases of German during my trip to Berlin. (我在柏林旅行期间,学会了几句德语。)(通过旅行环境学会)
  • He picks up new software programs incredibly fast. (他学新软件学得特别快。)(学习能力强,学得快)
  • Be careful not to pick up bad habits from your colleagues. (小心别从同事那里学到坏习惯。)(学到不好的习惯)
5. (生意、活动等)好转、增多、加强
这个意思用来描述情况开始变得更好、更活跃或者更有起色。通常表示一种积极的转变。
  • Business usually picks up during the holiday season. (生意通常在假期季节会好转。)
  • The wind began to pick up, making sailing more challenging. (风开始变大,让帆船航行更具挑战性。)
  • The conversation picked up once the guests started sharing their travel stories. (一旦客人们开始分享他们的旅行故事,谈话就变得热烈起来。)
6. 侦测到、接收到(信号、气味等)
这个用法是指能够接收到信号,或者察觉到某种气味、信息等,通常指接收能力或者敏锐的感知。
  • My radio can barely pick up any stations in this remote area. (我的收音机在这个偏远地区几乎收不到任何电台信号。)
  • She's very observant and always picks up on small details others miss. (她观察力很敏锐,总能注意到别人忽略的小细节。)
  • Dogs are trained to pick up the scent of missing persons. (狗被训练来追踪失踪人员的气味。)
在日常的微信聊天、发短信、或者点外卖、网购时,你也很可能遇到 pick up。比如:
  • 微信消息:Can u pick up some milk on your way home? (你回家路上能顺便买点牛奶吗?)
  • 网购平台:Your order is ready for pickup at the counter. (您的订单已准备好,请在柜台领取。)
它的用法真的非常非常多,掌握了这些,就能大大提升你的英语表达能力。
### When Not To Use It
虽然 pick up 很万能,但也不是什么情况都能用它。用错了,会让你的句子听起来很奇怪,甚至意思不对。所以,了解它不能用的情况,和了解它能用的情况一样重要。
1. 当你的主要动作是“选择”或“购买”某件东西时
如果你是从一堆东西里“挑选”某一个,或者主要目的是“购买”,那么用 pick up 就不太合适。Pick up 更侧重于“拿到”或“取走”已经确定或泛指的东西。
  • 不建议用I need to pick up a new laptop. (除非你已经订好了,现在是去取。)
  • 建议用I need to buy a new laptop. (我需要买一台新笔记本电脑。)
  • 建议用I need to choose a new laptop. (我需要选一台新笔记本电脑。)
2. 当提起重物需要很大力气或使用工具时
Pick up 通常指用手能轻松拿起来的东西。如果提起重物需要费很大的力气,或者需要借助机械(比如起重机),那么用 lift 会更准确。
  • 不建议用The crane picked up the steel beam. (起重机把钢梁吊了起来。)
  • 建议用The crane lifted the steel beam. (起重机吊起了钢梁。)
(当然,如果你是说“你捡起了一个很小的、很轻的钢梁模型”,那用 pick up 也可以。)
3. 当指正式的、有系统的学习或培训时
Pick up 强调的是非正式的、自然的学习过程。如果是指在大学里读书、参加专业培训、或者刻意学习一项技能,那么需要用更正式的动词。
  • 不建议用I'm picking up a master's degree in engineering. (我正在攻读工程学硕士学位。)
  • 建议用I'm studying for a master's degree in engineering. (我正在攻读工程学硕士学位。)
  • 建议用I'm enrolled in a master's program in engineering. (我入读了工程学硕士项目。)
4. 当指丢弃垃圾或处理废物时
虽然你可能真的会“捡起”地上的垃圾,但如果你的目的是“扔掉”它,那么用 take out(特指倒垃圾桶)或者 throw away(扔掉)会更清晰。
  • 不建议用Please pick up the trash. (除非你是指清理散落的垃圾碎屑。)
  • 建议用Please take out the trash. (请把垃圾倒掉。)(通常指把垃圾桶里的垃圾拿出去倒)
  • 建议用Please throw away the trash. (请把垃圾扔掉。)
5. 当指有意识地开始一项新的爱好或活动时
虽然你可以“pick up”一个习惯,但如果你是明确地、有计划地开始一项新的爱好(比如绘画、乐器),用 take up 会更贴切。Take up 强调的是“开始做某事”。
  • 不建议用Last year, I picked up painting. (除非你是非常随意的、没计划地开始的。)
  • 建议用Last year, I took up painting. (去年我开始学画画。)
选择最精确的动词,能让你的表达更清晰,也更能体现你对英语细微差别的理解。
### Common Mistakes
很多中国(Simplified)的学习者在使用 pick up 时,会犯一些特别典型的错误。这些错误大多源于我们中文的表达习惯和英语语法规则之间的差异,特别是关于短语动词的用法。
1. 代词宾语位置错误
这是最最常见的错误!就像我们在“Formation Pattern”部分讲过的,当宾语是代词(it, them, him, her 等)时,它必须放在 pickup 中间。
  • 错误Please pick up it. (请把它捡起来。)
  • 正确Please pick it up.
为什么会错? 在中文里,我们说“请把它捡起来”,宾语“它”就放在动词“捡”和“起来”的后面,和英语的 pick up it 结构非常相似。但是,英语的短语动词有它自己独特的规则,特别是可分离的短语动词,代词宾语的位置是固定的。
2. 误用 pick up 来表达“选择”或“购买”
看到 pick up 有“拿”、“取”的意思,就想当然地用它来表达所有和“拿”有关的行为,比如去商店买东西。
  • 错误I went to the mall to pick up a new shirt. (我去商场买了一件新衬衫。)
  • 正确I went to the mall to buy a new shirt. (我去了商场买了一件新衬衫。)
为什么会错? 中文里我们说“我去拿一件新衬衫”,听起来也挺自然的。但英语中,pick up 侧重于“取走”已经确定或放在某处的东西(比如快递、外卖、干洗的衣服),而不是在商店里从货架上“选择”并“购买”一件全新的商品。对于后者,buyget 是更准确的词。
3. 混淆 pick uptake up
这两个短语动词都和“开始”或“获得”有关,但侧重点不同,容易混淆。
  • 错误He picked up playing the guitar last year. (他去年开始弹吉他。)(听起来不够正式,好像是随便玩玩学会的)
  • 正确He took up playing the guitar last year. (他去年开始(学习/从事)弹吉他。)
为什么会错? Pick up 强调的是非正式的、自然的学会(比如在环境中听到就会了),而 take up 更强调的是有意识地、决定开始一项新的活动或爱好。就像我们说“我开始学画画了”(有计划),而不是“我随便学了学画画”。
4. 忽略 pick up 的特定固定用法
有些 pick up 的用法是约定俗成的,如果不用,就会显得奇怪。
  • 比如,接电话,虽然字面上可以理解,但标准说法就是 pick up the phone
  • 比如,生意好转,说 business is picking up 很自然,但如果说 business is picking up the money 就完全是另一个意思了。
如何避免? 多看例句,多听多练,把这些常见的用法和搭配记在脑子里,形成语感。遇到不确定的地方,查字典,看看例句是怎么用的。
### Contrast With Similar Patterns
英语里有很多和 pick up 意思相近或者容易混淆的短语动词或动词。了解它们的区别,能帮助你更精准地表达。
1. Pick up vs. Lift
| 特征 | Pick up | Lift |
| :----------- | :-------------------------------------- | :-------------------------------------- |
| 核心意思 | 拿起,捡起;接人/物;学会;好转;接收信号 | 抬起,举起(通常指有一定重量或需要用力) |
| 用力程度 | 通常指较轻的、容易拿起的物品 | 通常指需要用力或有一定重量的物品 |
| 使用场景 | 日常,口语化 | 较正式,描述物理动作 |
| 例子 | Pick up the pen. (捡起钢笔。) | Lift the box. (抬起箱子。) |
| | Pick up your child from school. | The crane lifted the car. (起重机吊起了汽车。) |
2. Pick up vs. Take up
| 特征 | Pick up | Take up |
| :----------- | :---------------------------------------------- | :---------------------------------------------- |
| 核心意思 | 非正式地学会;捡起;接人/物;好转 | 开始从事(爱好、职业);占据(空间、时间) |
| 学习/开始 | 强调自然、无意识或通过接触而学会 | 强调有意识地、决定性地开始一项活动或爱好 |
| 例子 | She picked up some Italian on vacation. | He took up gardening as a hobby. |
| | I need to pick up my package. | This sofa takes up too much space. |
3. Pick up vs. Collect
| 特征 | Pick up | Collect |
| :----------- | :-------------------------------------- | :-------------------------------------- |
| 核心意思 | 接人/物(常指去某地取);捡起;学会 | 收集,积攒;收取(款项);召集 |
| 侧重点 | 过程中的“取”或“接” | 过程中的“积累”或“集中” |
| 人称 | 常用语,口语化 | 稍正式,也可用于描述爱好(集邮等) |
| 例子 | I'll pick you up at 5. | She collects stamps. (她集邮。) |
| | Pick up the scattered papers. | The postman collects the mail. |
| | He picked up his dry cleaning. | The company will collect the overdue payment. |
4. Pick up vs. Answer (the phone)
| 特征 | Pick up (the phone) | Answer (the phone) |
| :----------- | :-------------------------------------- | :-------------------------------------- |
| 核心意思 | 接听电话 | 回答电话;回应 |
| 用法 | 固定搭配,非常常用 | 也可以,但 pick up 更常用和地道 |
| 例子 | Why didn't you pick up the phone? | He didn't answer my call. |
| | Please pick up. | She answered the phone immediately. |
在实际使用中,pick up 在“接人/取物”和“接电话”这两个意思上是最有代表性的,也是最需要掌握的。而在“学会”和“好转”这两个意思上,它提供了非常地道的口语表达方式。
### Quick FAQ
Q1: Pick up 后面跟宾语时,名词和代词的位置规则我还是有点晕,能再强调一下吗?
A1: 没问题!记住这个口诀:“名词前后随便站,代词必须夹中间!
  • 如果宾语是名词,比如 the book,你可以说 pick up the book 或者 pick the book up,都对。
  • 如果宾语是代词,比如 it,你只能pick it up,说 pick up it 是错的。
这个规则对所有可分离的短语动词都适用,非常重要!
Q2: 有时候我看到 pick up 后面直接跟一个地点,比如 pick up at the station,这是什么意思?
A2: 这其实是“去某个地方接人或取物”这个意思的省略形式。完整的句子应该是 pick someone/something up at the station。当语境很清楚时,比如你们已经约好了时间地点,就可以省略掉人或物,直接说地点。
  • 例如,朋友问你:“Where should I meet you?” (我在哪里接你?)
  • 你可以回答:“Pick me up at the airport.” (在机场接我。)
这里的 me 是代词,所以它被夹在了 pickup 中间。
Q3: Pick upGet 在“接人”这个意思上有什么区别?比如 pick up my friendget my friend
A3: “接人”这个意思上,pick up 是最常用、最地道的。Get 也可以用,但相对来说更口语化一些,有时甚至可能带点“找到”的意思,或者语气更随意一些。
  • I'll pick up my friend. (我去接我朋友。)—— 最标准、最常用。
  • I'll get my friend. (我去接我朋友。)—— 也可以,但不如 pick up 那么明确是“去接”。
所以,如果你想表达“去接某人”,用 pick up 是最保险、最自然的。例如,在微信里给朋友发消息:“I'll pick you up at 7.” (七点去接你。)
Q4: Pick up 还能表示“(身体)好点,恢复健康”吗?
A4: 是的,pick up 确实可以用来表示“(生病的人)康复,好转”。这和“生意好转”的意思是相通的,都表示情况向好的方向发展。
  • 例如:I hope you pick up soon. (希望你快点好起来。)
  • 或者:After a few days of rest, she started to pick up. (休息了几天后,她开始感觉好多了。)
这个用法也非常实用,尤其是在关心生病的朋友时,可以这样说。

Conjugating 'Pick Up'

Tense Subject Form Example
Present Simple
I/You/We/They
pick up
I pick up the mail every day.
Present Simple
He/She/It
picks up
He picks up his son from school.
Past Simple
All subjects
picked up
They picked up the bill.
Present Continuous
All subjects
am/is/are picking up
I am picking up the trash now.
Future (will)
All subjects
will pick up
I will pick you up later.
Present Perfect
All subjects
have/has picked up
She has picked up some flu.

Word Order with Objects

Object Type Structure Correct Example Incorrect Example
Noun
Verb + Particle + Noun
Pick up the book.
N/A
Noun
Verb + Noun + Particle
Pick the book up.
N/A
Pronoun
Verb + Pronoun + Particle
Pick it up.
N/A
Pronoun
Verb + Particle + Pronoun
N/A
Pick up it.

Meanings

To lift something from a surface, or more broadly, to acquire, collect, or resume something.

1

Physical Lift

To take hold of and lift something from a floor, table, or other surface.

“He picked up the book and started reading.”

“Don't pick up that glass; it's broken.”

2

Collect/Retrieve

To go to a place and get someone or something, often in a vehicle.

“I need to pick up my laundry from the dry cleaners.”

“Can you pick me up from the airport at midnight?”

3

Answer

To answer a telephone call or a ringing phone.

“I called him three times, but he didn't pick up.”

“Why didn't you pick up the phone earlier?”

4

Learn Naturally

To learn a new skill or language without formal study, just by being exposed to it.

“He picked up some Spanish while living in Madrid.”

“Kids pick up computer skills so quickly these days.”

5

Improve/Increase

To increase in speed, force, or volume; or for a situation to improve.

“The wind is starting to pick up.”

“Sales usually pick up right before Christmas.”

6

Tidy/Clean

To make a room neat by putting things back where they belong.

“You need to pick up your room before guests arrive.”

“I spent the morning picking up after the kids.”

Reference Table

Reference table for 短语动词: Pick up (捡起,接送,接听)
含义 例句 宾语位置 备注
拿起/捡起
"Pick up the pen."
"Pick the pen up." / "Pick it up."
最字面的用法。
接人
"Pick up my friend."
"Pick my friend up." / "Pick them up."
去某个地方接某人。
取物
"Pick up groceries."
"Pick the groceries up." / "Pick them up."
去拿买好的东西。
接电话
"Pick up the phone."
"Pick the phone up." / "Pick it up."
响应来电。
偶然学会
"Pick up Spanish."
"Pick Spanish up." / "Pick it up."
非正式地学习。
好转/增加
"Sales picked up."
(无宾语)
生意或情况变好。

正式程度

正式
I shall collect you from your residence at eight o'clock.

I shall collect you from your residence at eight o'clock. (Transportation)

中性
I'll pick you up at 8:00.

I'll pick you up at 8:00. (Transportation)

非正式
I'll swing by and pick you up at 8.

I'll swing by and pick you up at 8. (Transportation)

俚语
I'll scoop you up at 8.

I'll scoop you up at 8. (Transportation)

'Pick Up' 的多重含义

PICK UP

物理动作

  • 拿起/捡起 Pick up the fallen leaves.
  • 接人 Pick up friends from the airport.
  • 取物 Pick up groceries from the store.

非物理动作

  • 接听 Pick up the phone.
  • 偶然学会 Pick up a new language.
  • 好转 Business started to pick up.
  • 察觉 Pick up on a strange vibe.

'Pick Up' 与相似短语对比

Pick Up
拿起书 Pick up the book.
学会语言 Pick up a language.
Take Up
开始爱好 Take up a hobby.
占据空间 Take up space.
Pick Out
挑选衬衫 Pick out a shirt.
选礼物 Pick out a gift.

'Pick Up' 的宾语位置规则

1

宾语是代词吗 (it, them, him, her)?

YES
必须放在 pick 和 up 之间。 (例如: 'Pick *it* up.')
NO
宾语是名词吗 (book, friend)?
2

宾语是名词吗 (book, friend)?

YES
可以放在中间 OR 放在 up 后面。 (例如: 'Pick *the book* up.' 或 'Pick up *the book*.')
NO
是否没有宾语? (例如: 'Sales picked up.')

常见的 'Pick Up' 场景

🧹

日常家务

  • Pick up toys
  • Pick up laundry
🛒

琐事跑腿

  • Pick up groceries
  • Pick up a package
🤝

社交生活

  • Pick up a friend
  • Pick up the phone
🧠

学习技能

  • Pick up a new skill
  • Pick up a language

按水平分级的例句

1

Pick up the pen.

Pick up the pen.

2

Can you pick up the phone?

Can you pick up the phone?

3

Pick it up, please.

Pick it up, please.

4

I pick up my bag.

I pick up my bag.

1

I will pick you up at 6:00.

I will pick you up at 6:00.

2

She picked up some milk at the store.

She picked up some milk at the store.

3

Don't forget to pick up your trash.

Don't forget to pick up your trash.

4

He didn't pick up when I called.

He didn't pick up when I called.

1

I picked up a lot of Italian during my summer in Rome.

I picked up a lot of Italian during my summer in Rome.

2

The economy is finally starting to pick up.

The economy is finally starting to pick up.

3

Can you pick up the pace? We are going to be late.

Can you pick up the pace? We are going to be late.

4

I need to pick up my prescription from the pharmacy.

I need to pick up my prescription from the pharmacy.

1

The sensor is picking up a strange signal from the basement.

The sensor is picking up a strange signal from the basement.

2

I managed to pick up a great bargain at the flea market.

I managed to pick up a great bargain at the flea market.

3

Let's pick up where we left off yesterday.

Let's pick up where we left off yesterday.

4

He's very quick to pick up on any changes in the atmosphere.

He's very quick to pick up on any changes in the atmosphere.

1

The detective picked up a few clues that everyone else had missed.

The detective picked up a few clues that everyone else had missed.

2

The radio station is difficult to pick up in this mountainous region.

The radio station is difficult to pick up in this mountainous region.

3

She picked up the threads of her old life after returning from abroad.

She picked up the threads of her old life after returning from abroad.

4

The company is picking up the tab for the entire conference.

The company is picking up the tab for the entire conference.

1

The wind picked up significantly, reaching gale force by midnight.

The wind picked up significantly, reaching gale force by midnight.

2

He has an uncanny ability to pick up the nuances of any local dialect.

He has an uncanny ability to pick up the nuances of any local dialect.

3

The narrative picks up speed as the protagonist nears the climax.

The narrative picks up speed as the protagonist nears the climax.

4

They are still picking up the pieces after the financial crash.

They are still picking up the pieces after the financial crash.

容易混淆

Phrasal Verb: Pick up (Lift, Collect, Answer) 对比 Pick vs. Pick up

Learners use 'pick up' when they mean to choose something from a group.

Phrasal Verb: Pick up (Lift, Collect, Answer) 对比 Pick up vs. Take up

Both involve starting something new, but the 'how' is different.

Phrasal Verb: Pick up (Lift, Collect, Answer) 对比 Pick up vs. Collect

They are often synonyms, but 'collect' is more formal.

常见错误

Pick up it.

Pick it up.

Pronouns must go between 'pick' and 'up'.

I pick up to the phone.

I pick up the phone.

Do not use 'to' after pick up.

He pick up the book.

He picks up the book.

Don't forget the third-person 's'.

I picked up it yesterday.

I picked it up yesterday.

Even in the past tense, the pronoun stays in the middle.

I will pick up you.

I will pick you up.

People pronouns also go in the middle.

Can you pick up me?

Can you pick me up?

Pronoun placement in questions.

I pick up my friend from the station.

I am picking up my friend from the station.

Use present continuous for actions happening now.

I picked up tennis last week.

I took up tennis last week.

Use 'take up' for intentional hobbies; 'pick up' for natural learning.

The business is picking up it.

The business is picking up.

When 'pick up' means 'improve', it is often intransitive (no object).

I need to pick up a choice.

I need to make a choice / pick one.

Don't use 'pick up' for the act of choosing.

He picked up on the book.

He picked up the book.

'Pick up on' means to notice a hint, not to lift an object.

句型

Can you pick up ___ on your way home?

I'll pick ___ up at ___.

He picked up ___ while he was in ___.

Don't forget to pick up ___.

Real World Usage

Uber/Lyft Apps constant

Your driver is arriving to pick you up.

Office Environment very common

Can you pick up line 2? It's for the manager.

Online Shopping common

Select 'In-store pick up' to save on shipping.

Parenting constant

I have to pick up the kids from soccer practice.

Dating occasional

He tried a cheesy pick-up line on her.

Housework very common

Please pick up your toys before bedtime.

💡

代词一定要放中间

如果宾语是代词(it, them, him),必须放在 pick 和 up 之间。比如:Pick it up.
⚠️

别和 'Take Out' 搞混

虽然 pick up 是取东西,但扔垃圾要用 take out。比如:"Don't forget to take out the trash."
🎯

根据语境听弦外之音

'Pick up' 的意思变化很大,要根据周围的词来判断。比如:
The wind is picking up.
🌍

形容“潜移默化”地学习

在英语文化中,用 pick up 表示学技能意味着你学得很轻松自然。比如:
I picked up some slang.

Smart Tips

Pause and put the pronoun in the middle. Think: 'Pick... it... up'.

I'll pick up it. I'll pick it up.

Use 'pick up' instead of 'learn'. It sounds much more natural in conversation.

I learned some slang from my friends. I picked up some slang from my friends.

You don't need to say 'the phone'. Just say 'Pick up!'

Can you pick up the phone? Can you pick up?

Use 'pick up' without an object to describe improvement or increased strength.

The business is getting better. Business is picking up.

发音

/pɪk ʌp/

Linking

When 'pick' is followed by 'up', the 'k' sound links to the 'u'. It sounds like 'pi-kup'.

pick UP

Stress

In phrasal verbs, the particle (up) usually receives more stress than the verb (pick).

/pɪkɪtʌp/

Pronoun Linking

When a pronoun is in the middle, the sounds link: 'pick-it-up' sounds like one word.

Rising on 'up'

Can you pick it UP? ↗

A standard polite request.

记住它

记忆技巧

P.U.C.: Phone, Up, Collect. Remember these three and you've got the basics!

视觉联想

Imagine a giant magnet picking up a car (collecting a person), a phone (answering), and a book (learning). The magnet is labeled 'UP'.

Rhyme

If it's a thing, you have a choice. If it's 'it', use your middle voice!

Story

I went to the store to pick up some bread. On the way, my phone rang but I didn't pick up. Then I had to pick up my sister from the gym. She had picked up a cold, so we went home.

Word Web

LiftCollectAnswerLearnImproveResumeTidy

挑战

Look around your room. Find three things on the floor. As you lift them, say 'I am picking up the [object]' and then 'I am picking it up'.

文化笔记

In both cultures, 'picking up the tab' or 'picking up the check' is a common way to say you are paying for everyone's meal.

A 'pick-up line' is a prepared remark used to start a conversation with a stranger in a romantic way. They are often considered cheesy or funny.

In many English-speaking countries, offering to 'pick someone up' is a standard sign of hospitality and friendship.

The verb 'pick' comes from Middle English 'picken' (to peck or pierce), and 'up' is a Germanic particle indicating direction or completion.

对话开场白

What time do you need me to pick you up?

Have you ever picked up a new hobby very quickly?

Why didn't you pick up my call yesterday?

Do you think it's easier to pick up a language by traveling or by studying?

日记主题

Describe a time you picked up a useful skill without taking a class.
Write about your daily routine using 'pick up' at least three times.
Imagine you are a detective. What clues did you pick up at the crime scene?
Discuss how the economy in your country is picking up (or not).

常见错误

Incorrect

正确


Incorrect

正确


Incorrect

正确


Incorrect

正确

Test Yourself

选择正确的形式

Can you ___ the book for me?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: pick up
短语动词 pick up 在这里表示拿起或捡起一个物体。
找出并修正错误 Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

I need to pick up them from the airport.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I need to pick them up from the airport.
当宾语是代词 them 时,必须放在 pick 和 up 之间。
哪句话是正确的? 多项选择

选择正确的句子:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Did you pick up on the sarcasm?
pick up on 表示察觉到微妙的信息(如讽刺)。

Score: /3

练习题

8 exercises
Choose the correct sentence. 多项选择

Which sentence is grammatically correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I will pick it up later.
Pronouns must go in the middle of separable phrasal verbs.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'pick up'.

The phone is ringing. Why don't you ___?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: pick it up
We need the base form after 'don't you' and the pronoun in the middle.
Correct the error in this sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

I picked up some Spanish while I was in Mexico.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: No error
This is a correct use of 'pick up' meaning to learn naturally.
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Reorder

up / you / at / I / 8 / will / pick

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I will pick you up at 8.
Subject + will + verb + pronoun + particle.
Match the meaning to the sentence. Match Pairs

1. Answer, 2. Learn, 3. Collect

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-Phone, 2-Language, 3-Friend
These are the three most common B1 senses.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Can you get some milk? B: Sure, I'll ___ on my way home.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: pick it up
The pronoun 'it' refers to the milk.
Is the sentence Transitive (needs an object) or Intransitive (no object)? Grammar Sorting

The wind is picking up.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Intransitive
In this context, 'pick up' means to increase in strength and has no object.
Rewrite the sentence using a pronoun. Sentence Transformation

Pick up the books.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Pick them up.
'The books' is plural, so we use 'them' in the middle.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

12 exercises
用正确的短语动词完成句子。 填空

My mom will ___ me from practice at 5 PM.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: pick up
修正关于开始爱好的错误。 Error Correction

He picked up a new hobby, learning to play the guitar.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He took up a new hobby, learning to play the guitar.
哪句话正确使用了表示“好转”的 pick up? 多项选择

选择正确的句子:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The manager hopes sales will pick up next quarter.
输入正确的英语句子。 翻译

翻译成英语:'生意正在好转。'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["The business is picking up."]
排列单词组成正确的句子。 Sentence Reorder

将这些单词连成句子:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Can you pick up the phone?
将 pick up 的含义与其语境匹配。 Match Pairs

匹配含义:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched
选择正确的代词位置。 填空

The keys are on the table, can you ___?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: pick them up
修正关于正式学习的用词错误。 Error Correction

She is studying to pick up her medical degree.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: She is studying to get her medical degree.
输入正确的英语句子。 翻译

翻译成英语:'我需要去取我的外卖订单。'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["I need to pick up my takeout order."]
排列单词组成一个自然的英语句子。 Sentence Reorder

将这些单词连成句子:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I picked up some Japanese in Japan
哪句话正确表达了“察觉”的意思? 多项选择

选择正确的句子:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Did you pick up on her bad mood?
将用法与对应的短语匹配。 Match Pairs

匹配高级用法:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched

Score: /12

常见问题 (8)

Yes, both are correct because 'the book' is a noun. You have the choice!

In English, when the object of a separable phrasal verb is a pronoun, it *must* go in the middle. It's just a strict rule of the language.

No! It can mean answering a phone, collecting a person, learning a skill, or even the weather getting stronger.

It's a type of vehicle with an open back designed to 'pick up' and carry heavy loads.

It is neutral to informal. In very formal writing, you might use 'collect', 'retrieve', or 'acquire'.

It means to pay the bill for everyone, usually at a restaurant.

Yes, it means to collect them in your car. 'I'll pick you up at 5.'

No. 'Pick' means to choose. 'Pick up' means to lift or collect. Don't mix them up!

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

In Other Languages

Spanish moderate

recoger / contestar

Spanish is not a phrasal verb language, so the 'up' feels redundant to them.

French low

ramasser / chercher / décrocher

English uses one phrasal verb for all three, which is confusing for French speakers.

German high

aufheben / abholen

German word order rules for separable particles are even more complex than English.

Japanese low

拾う (hirou) / 迎えに行く (mukaeni iku)

Japanese uses specific verbs where English uses the general 'pick up'.

Arabic low

التقط (iltaqata) / رد (radda)

The concept of a 'particle' (up) changing a verb's meaning doesn't exist in the same way in Arabic.

Chinese low

捡 (jiǎn) / 接 (jiē)

Chinese speakers often omit the 'up' because 'pick' (jiǎn) feels complete on its own.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

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