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WotD: Pick up on
Let’s talk about prepositions.
If you are a native English speaker, you never think of them, but you hate them if you are learning the English language, probably with a passion.
One little preposition can completely change the meaning of a phrase.
To pick up on something means understanding something without it being communicated directly or to elaborate on another person’s point.
For example, if you pick something up, it may have been on the floor, or you may have learned something new without much effort.
Some people pick up a second language after living in a country for a few years without too much study.
Now, what happens if we take the phrase, pick up something and add a preposition?
Let’s say we insert ‘on’ between ‘up’ and ‘something.’
That will give us pick up on something.
So, what the heck does that mean?
When we see someone we find attractive, we may act in a certain way or send out subtle tiny signals by making eye contact.
The other person may pick up on those signals and either be interested or freaked out.
So, to pick up on something can mean understanding something without it being communicated directly.
But that’s not all. Oh no, there’s more.
When someone mentions a point, and then you want to elaborate on it, you may pick up on their point and add more detail.
Do you see how a little preposition can change the meaning of a phrase?
The little word ‘on’ may be the difference between picking up something from the floor or picking up on flirtatious signals from your future life partner.
That’s a lot of meaning for a little preposition.
Flesch-Kincaid Readability Test
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