“Pick Up” vs. “Take”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “pick up” and “take”

  • Pick up is generally used for physically lifting or gathering things, while take is more about transferring or accepting them.
  • Pick up often implies a quick or sudden action, whereas take indicates a more deliberate and planned act.
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What is the definition of “pick up” and “take”?

Pick up
  • To lift or collect something or someone from a surface or place.
  • Often implies a quick action such as grabbing, and is used to describe physically picking up something.
  • Can also mean to acquire or learn new information or skills.
Take
  • To move or convey something or someone from one place to another.
  • Indicates more of a deliberate action, with a sense of intentionality behind it.
  • Can also mean to accept something, such as an invitation or offer.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Take” is the more popular variant on the web.
Pick up
673,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. Can you please pick up some milk on your way home from work?
  2. I always pick up a coffee on my way to the office.
  3. He picked up some new words while studying abroad.
More popular
Take
17,620,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. Don't forget to take your umbrella with you, it looks like it's going to rain.
  2. Could you please take this package to the post office for me?
  3. I'll take the kids to school while you finish getting ready.
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