He ______ food on the way home.

Picked up means collected food en route. This question tests phrasal verb usage. Ate and worked don’t fit the context of acquiring food. Picked up is common in casual English. Understanding phrasal verbs enhances conversational fluency. Correct usage ensures clarity in narrative writing. This phrase is vital for discussing daily activities in professional or academic contexts ensuring accurate depiction in reports or conversations about routines strengthening comprehension of practical English expressions.