Having caught

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Having caught" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has successfully captured or seized something, often in a context where the action has relevance to the following statement. Example: "Having caught the ball, she quickly passed it to her teammate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Having caught and cornered the outlaw band, they had simply shooed them in the right direction.

The New York Times - Travel

Having caught up, I expected to make it, but I worried about Economaki, who was huffing and gasping.

The New York Times

Having caught this "Richard" in London in July, I am looking forward (with a tinge of masochism) to letting Mr. Spacey's crookback king step back into my nightmares.

The New York Times

Having caught just about every kind of pitcher imaginable during his 14-year career, Barajas was able to speed the process along.

The New York Times - Sports

Having caught up, will it stagnate again?

Forbes

Having caught them by surprise, Doukas's army defeated them and took much booty.

Wikipedia

Having caught a glimpse of his own future, he spent each day remaining to him painting like a madman.

Huffington Post

Having caught them by surprise they opened fire on the stationary boats and after a short engagement withdrew leaving two of the enemy boats on fire.

Wikipedia

Luda thought, having caught Milena's stare.

The New Yorker

He entered Sunday having caught eight balls for 153 yards over his previous two games.

The New York Times

Glenn caught just 14 passes this season, after having caught 79 last season.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When beginning a sentence with “Having caught”, ensure that the subject performing the catching action is also the subject of the main clause.

Common error

Avoid using "Having caught" in a way that creates a dangling modifier. Ensure the subject of the participial phrase is clearly identified and logically connected to the main clause. For example, avoid sentences like "Having caught the bus, the station was no longer needed," which incorrectly implies the station caught the bus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Having caught" functions as a participial phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun by describing an action that has already been completed. This construction sets the stage for the main clause by providing context or a prior condition. Ludwig AI indicates this usage is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Having caught" is a grammatically correct and commonly used participial phrase that serves to establish a sequence of events or provide context for a subsequent action. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and versatility across various registers, although it is most frequently encountered in news and media contexts. Pay attention to avoid dangling modifiers to ensure clear communication. The phrase is generally neutral in tone, making it appropriate for a wide range of writing styles. Remember that while alternatives such as "after catching" exist, the specific choice should align with the intended nuance and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

After capturing

Emphasizes the temporal sequence of events, focusing on the completion of the catching action before the subsequent action.

Upon seizing

Highlights a more forceful or deliberate act of taking possession, adding a sense of assertiveness to the action.

Having secured

Implies a sense of certainty and safety in obtaining something, suggesting a more deliberate or protected acquisition.

Once apprehended

Implies a formal or legal context of being caught, often used when someone is caught by law enforcement.

After detecting

Indicates the action of noticing or discovering something before taking further action, suitable in contexts of finding or observing.

Following the capture of

A more formal and descriptive alternative, emphasizing the event of capture as a prelude to further actions or consequences.

On discovering

Similar to "After detecting", but puts more emphasis on the moment of discovery, making it suitable for scenarios where finding something leads to immediate action.

With the acquisition of

Focuses on the act of gaining possession or obtaining something, often suggesting a deliberate effort to acquire.

Subsequent to obtaining

A formal alternative that stresses the chronological order, with emphasis on the attainment before the result.

Now in possession of

Highlights the current state of having something after catching or obtaining it.

FAQs

How can I use "Having caught" in a sentence?

The phrase "Having caught" indicates that after someone or something has captured or obtained something, a subsequent action occurs. For example, "Having caught the ball, she threw it to first base" shows the sequence of catching and then throwing.

What are some alternatives to "Having caught"?

Alternatives include "after catching", "upon seizing", or "once apprehended", depending on the context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "Having caught"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "Having caught", as long as the subject performing the action of catching is clearly identified in the main clause. This structure often enhances sentence flow by establishing a clear sequence of events.

What is the difference between "Having caught" and "After catching"?

While both phrases indicate a sequence, "Having caught" often implies a more direct cause-and-effect relationship, whereas "after catching" simply denotes a chronological order. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the causal link or just the timing.