1 B2 idiomatic neutral
To notice or become aware of a subtle signal, feeling, or hint.
"Dogs are very good at picking up on their owner's emotional state."
inseparable
pick up on
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
To notice or become aware of something subtle, such as a clue, a feeling, or a social signal.
In plain English
To notice something small or hidden that other people might have missed.
What does "pick up on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To draw attention to something someone has said, especially an error or an important point.
"I'd like to pick up on something the previous speaker said about the statistics."
inseparable
Usage tip
Used to describe noticing subtle emotional signals, nonverbal cues, or implicit messages. Also used for pointing out something that was said in a conversation — especially something incorrect or significant. Common in therapy, communication, and analytical contexts. Widely used in both British and American English.
Words that pair with "pick up on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
cue signal vibe hint error comment
How to conjugate "pick up on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
pick up on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
picks up on
he/she/it
Past simple
picked up on
yesterday
Past participle
picked up on
have + pp
-ing form
picking up on
continuous
Hear "pick up on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "pick up on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "pick up on"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
catch detect hone in on identify notice sense
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