There are many ways to say “pick up” in English, depending on the context in which you want to use it. Whether you’re discussing collecting items, learning skills, or improving your situation, there’s a variety of phrases you can substitute for “pick up.”
Discover engaging alternatives to say ‘pick up’ in various contexts! From formal phrases to casual expressions, this guide offers versatile options to enhance your vocabulary and communication skills effectively.
Top Ways to Say ‘Pick Up’
- Collect
- Retrieve
- Gather
- Fetch
- Acquire
- Bring
- Lift
- Snatch
- Take
- Catch
- Grab
- Secure
- Obtain
- Procure
- Lift Up
- Catch Up
- Round Up
- Take Over
- Claim
1. Collect
When you want to use a more formal way to refer to gathering something, “collect” is an excellent substitute for “pick up.” It can refer to gathering physical items, information, or even people.
Example:
Email Subject: Request to Collect Your Package
Dear Darcy,
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to inform you that your order is ready for collection at our store. You can collect it anytime during our business hours, Monday to Friday, from 9 AM to 6 PM. Kindly bring your order confirmation to ensure a smooth process.
Thank you for shopping with us!
Best regards,
Elizabeth
2. Retrieve
“Retrieve” is often used when you’re recovering or getting back something, making it a more purposeful version of “pick up.”
Example:
Internal Memo: Retrieval of Documents
Hi Darcy,
Could you please retrieve the documents I left on the conference table this morning? They are essential for the meeting later today, and I trust you can bring them to the office by 2 PM.
Let me know if you encounter any issues.
Thanks,
Elizabeth
3. Gather
“Gather” is a great way to describe bringing items or people together, often used for a collective or organized purpose.
Example:
Team Meeting Invitation:
Dear Darcy,
I hope you’re doing well. We need to gather all team members for an urgent strategy meeting tomorrow. Please ensure that everyone is informed and ready to discuss our upcoming project launch. The meeting will take place at 10 AM in the main conference room.
Looking forward to your cooperation.
Best,
Elizabeth
4. Fetch
“Fetch” is an informal word often used when asking someone to go and bring back something. It’s commonly used with objects.
Example:
Quick Request:
Hi Darcy,
Could you please fetch the reports from the printer before the meeting? I printed them about 10 minutes ago, and they should be ready now.
Thanks for your help!
Best regards,
Elizabeth
5. Acquire
This word is typically used in more formal contexts and implies gaining possession of something through effort or purchase.
Example:
Business Email:
Dear Darcy,
I’m writing to inform you that we’ve successfully acquired the new office equipment as per your request. It will be delivered to the main office by Friday. Please ensure that everything is inspected upon arrival.
Looking forward to your feedback.
Best regards,
Elizabeth
6. Bring
“Bring” is a casual and straightforward substitute for “pick up,” especially when asking someone to take something to another location.
Example:
Email to a Colleague:
Hi Darcy,
Could you please bring the contract documents to the office tomorrow morning? I’ll need them for a meeting with the client at 10 AM.
Thanks in advance!
Best,
Elizabeth
7. Lift
“Lift” is often used when referring to physically raising something from a lower position to a higher one. It’s often more literal but can also be metaphorical, as in lifting someone’s spirits.
Example:
Friendly Message:
Hey Darcy,
I noticed that the mood in the office has been a bit down lately. Let’s lift everyone’s spirits by organizing a fun team lunch this Friday. What do you think?
Best,
Elizabeth
8. Snatch
“Snatch” has a more urgent, sometimes negative connotation, often implying grabbing something quickly or forcefully.
Example:
Quick Text:
Darcy,
I had to snatch the last few copies of the report before they ran out. I’ll leave a copy on your desk. Catch you later.
Cheers,
Elizabeth
9. Take
“Take” is one of the most versatile substitutes for “pick up” and can be used in various situations.
Example:
Reminder Email:
Dear Darcy,
Please take the company car keys from the reception desk before heading to the client meeting. It’s essential that you arrive on time.
Best regards,
Elizabeth
10. Catch
“Catch” can be used to describe picking up something quickly or catching someone or something in motion, like a bus or a ball.
Example:
Email Confirmation:
Hi Darcy,
Just a quick reminder that you need to catch the 4:30 PM bus today to reach the airport on time. Let me know if you need any help with the schedule.
Safe travels!
Elizabeth
11. Grab
“Grab” is an informal, casual way of saying “pick up” and is often used in spoken language or friendly emails.
Example:
Quick Email:
Hey Darcy,
Can you grab a coffee for me on your way in this morning? I’ll cover you later!
Thanks,
Elizabeth
12. Secure
“Secure” implies that you’ve obtained something important, usually after some effort or negotiation.
Example:
Email to Supervisor:
Dear Darcy,
I’m pleased to inform you that I’ve successfully secured the sponsorship deal with XYZ Corp. This should give our project the financial boost it needs.
Best regards,
Elizabeth
13. Obtain
“Obtain” is a more formal term, often used in written or business contexts, to describe acquiring something.
Example:
Business Communication:
Dear Darcy,
We’ve finally obtained the necessary permits for the construction project. Please ensure that all teams are informed, and work can commence next week.
Best regards,
Elizabeth
14. Procure
“Procure” is typically used in business or formal contexts, especially when discussing the acquisition of items or services through effort or purchase.
Example:
Official Email:
Dear Darcy,
We managed to procure the specialized equipment needed for the research project. It will arrive by next Tuesday. Kindly arrange for its installation.
Best regards,
Elizabeth
15. Lift Up
While similar to “lift,” this phrase often has an emotional or motivational connotation, implying helping or encouraging someone.
Example:
Motivational Email:
Dear Darcy,
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for always helping to lift up the team, especially during tight deadlines. Your positive attitude really makes a difference.
Best regards,
Elizabeth
16. Catch Up
This phrase is often used in the context of rejoining or reconnecting with something that has moved ahead or in the sense of meeting someone for an update.
Example:
Friendly Email:
Dear Darcy,
I’d love to catch up sometime soon and hear how your recent projects are going. Let’s set up a meeting next week when you’re free.
Best regards,
Elizabeth
17. Round Up
“Round up” is commonly used when gathering people or items together, often for a specific purpose.
Example:
Meeting Notice:
Dear Darcy,
Could you please round up all the department heads for an urgent meeting tomorrow at 9 AM? We need to discuss the upcoming changes to the project schedule.
Best regards,
Elizabeth
18. Take Over
This phrase is used when someone assumes control or responsibility for something.
Example:
Business Email:
Dear Darcy,
I need you to take over the client presentation next week as I’ll be out of the office. I’m confident that you’ll handle it smoothly.
Best regards,
Elizabeth
19. Claim
“Claim” is often used when someone is taking ownership or responsibility for something, especially after effort or entitlement.
Example:
Email Notification:
Dear Darcy,
Please claim your prize by visiting our office within the next 10 business days. We look forward to celebrating your win with you.
Best regards,
Elizabeth
