"collect" vs "pick up"

Question

"collect" vs "pick up"

Both 'pick up' and 'collect' are correct phrases in English, but they are used in different contexts. 'Pick up' is commonly used when referring to lifting something from a surface or location, or when getting someone or something from a place. 'Collect' is more often used when gathering things together or accumulating items over time.

Last Updated: March 28, 2024

Use 'collect' when you want to indicate the action of gathering things together or accumulating items over time. It is often used in the context of hobbies, activities, or items that are accumulated.

Examples:

She collects stamps as a hobby.
The charity collects donations for the homeless.
I need to collect my thoughts before the meeting.
He collects rare coins from around the world.
The museum collects artifacts from different time periods.

Alternatives:

gather
accumulate
amass
compile
hoard

Use 'pick up' when you want to indicate the action of lifting something from a surface or location, or when you are getting someone or something from a place. It can also be used informally to mean to acquire or obtain something.

Examples:

I need to pick up my dry cleaning.
Can you pick up some milk on your way home?
She picked up the book from the table.
He picked up the phone when it rang.
Let's pick up some snacks for the road trip.

Alternatives:

grab
lift
acquire
fetch
get

Answer 1

collect

The phrase 'collect' is correct and commonly used in English, especially when referring to gathering things together or accumulating items over time.

Answer 2

pick up

The phrase 'pick up' is correct and commonly used in English, especially when referring to lifting something or getting someone or something from a place.

"collect" vs "pick up"

collect

pick up

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