Pick

To "pick" is to choose, to select.

Every four years the voters pick a new president.

I don't care which film we watch. Take your pick.

To "pick up" is to take or lift.

Can you help me pick up this box and put it on the table?

To "pick up" a person is to take them in your car, give them a lift.

We can go together in my car. I'll pick you up in front of your house at 7:45 in the morning.

To "pick up" an activity is to resume.

Can we pick up where we left off?

To "pick up" a skill is to acquire, to learn, to understand.

She's very good at picking up new languages.

To "pick up" is to increase.

The train didn't pick up speed until it got away from the city.

To "pick up" the phone is to answer the call.

The phone is ringing. Can you pick it up.

To "pick up" is to pay for.

Don't bother. I'm picking up the tab today.