Pick up speed Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To start moving faster or to accelerate, often used for vehicles, people, or processes.
Usage & Nuances
Common in both everyday and technical contexts. Used with vehicles ('the car picked up speed'), but also for efforts or trends ('sales picked up speed'). More informal or spoken style; 'accelerate' is more technical.
Example Sentences
The train began to pick up speed after leaving the station.
basic
You should pick up speed if you want to catch the bus.
basic
The runner started to pick up speed in the last lap.
basic
Things really picked up speed once we got everyone working together.
natural
I started slow, but after a while I picked up speed and finished the project faster than I thought.
natural
As the story went on, the plot really picked up speed and became exciting.
natural