Catch time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Catch time" is not technically incorrect, but it is not commonly used in written English.
It is more of an idiom or informal phrase used in spoken English in place of the phrase "make time." For example: "I know we're both busy, but let's try to catch time to meet up this week."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Firestone wants to "catch time short and not just drift along, go along with it".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But it was caught time and again on the counterattack by the fast, determined and thorough Belarus side.

The New York Times - Sports

One catch: this time the economist will not be allowed to withdraw.

The Economist

[number] How many bats did you catch last time you hunted them?

EcoHealth

We were caught this time, and we'll do our damnedest not to get caught again.

The New Yorker

It's catch-up time.

The New York Times - Arts

He is caught in time.

The Guardian - Books

Meningitis can be treated with antibiotics if caught in time.

The New York Times - Health

He was caught each time, but remained strong.

The New York Times - Sports

Subhash was not afraid of being caught this time.

The New Yorker

This work is like seeing someone under a bell jar, completely caught in time".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of using "catch time", opt for more common and grammatically accepted alternatives like "make time", "find time", or "set aside time" to ensure clarity and avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "catch time" in formal or professional writing. This phrase is not widely recognized and can detract from your credibility. Use established phrases such as "make time" or "allocate time" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Catch time" functions as a verb phrase intended to convey the action of finding or creating time for something. However, Ludwig AI indicates that it's not commonly used in written English, functioning more as an informal or spoken expression. The few examples available show inconsistent usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while "Catch time" is understandable, Ludwig AI and linguistic analysis suggest it is not a standard or widely accepted phrase in formal written English. It is more of an informal expression, with standard alternatives like "make time", "find time", or "set aside time" being more appropriate and commonly used. The contexts in which it appears are varied, but the overall frequency is rare, reinforcing the recommendation to use established alternatives for clarity and credibility. For these reasons, its grammatical status is considered incorrect, and should be avoided in formal contexts. The single example with a perfect match comes from The New Yorker: Firestone wants to "catch time short and not just drift along, go along with it".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Make time

Emphasizes creating or scheduling time for an activity.

Find time

Highlights the act of discovering or identifying available time.

Set aside time

Focuses on reserving specific time for a purpose.

Schedule time

Suggests formally planning when something will occur.

Allocate time

Indicates distributing time among different activities.

Free up time

Implies making time available by removing other commitments.

Devote time

Focuses on dedicating time specifically to an activity.

Spare time

Suggests using extra or leftover time.

Create time

Emphasizes actively generating time in one's schedule.

Arrange time

Focuses on organizing the timing of events or activities.

FAQs

What does "catch time" mean?

The phrase "catch time" is not a standard English idiom. It is sometimes used informally to mean "make time" or "find time", but it's not widely recognized and can be confusing.

What can I say instead of "catch time"?

You can use alternatives like "make time", "find time", or "set aside time" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "catch time"?

While not technically incorrect, "catch time" is not a common or widely accepted phrase in written English. It's better to use more standard expressions like "make time" to ensure clarity.

How do I use "make time" in a sentence?

You can use "make time" in sentences like: "I need to make time for exercise" or "Let's make time to discuss this further".