Meaning trap

pick up

detect

To notice or sense something, often using equipment or special skills.

phrasal verbB2common

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

detect

To notice or sense something, often using equipment or special skills.

pick up (collect)

Another meaning of 'pick up' is 'collect'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

The microphone can pick up even the quietest sounds.communication
Modern medical equipment can pick up early signs of illness that people might miss.IELTS speaking

Pattern: pick (something) up

WrongThe mic didn't pick up on my voice.

RightThe mic didn't pick up my voice.

Equipment detecting a signal is 'pick up + object'; 'pick up ON' is for subtle social cues.

Patternpick (something) up

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff The sensor is capable of detecting even minute fluctuations.

Natural The sensor picks up even tiny changes.

'Pick up' is the everyday verb for a device detecting something; 'detect minute fluctuations' is technical.

Words that usually travel with it.

Not about collecting objects or learning skills.

pick up (collect) — Another meaning of 'pick up' is 'collect'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.