a good catch

USAGE SUMMARY

"a good catch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in the context of catching something valuable, such as a fish with a good size, or figuratively, to refer to a person or thing with desirable qualities. For example: The baseball team was delighted to have signed Jim; he's a good catch.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Luckily, Hound is a good catch.

The Guardian

Please give us a good catch, and look after us".

The New Yorker

A good catch at third slip by Twohig off Parnell.

The Guardian - Sport

The police chief thought they were a good catch!

The Guardian

Jimmy edges to slip, where Clarke takes a good catch.

The Guardian - Sport

He was strong enough to get it to Lubick, who made a good catch.

The New York Times - Sports

The ball looped to the legside, and Foster dived to take a good catch.

The Guardian - Sport

Trescothick takes a good catch, robbing the Australian top scorer of a six and his wicket.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Pianist Bach showed himself a capable player--a good catch, as it were.

Los Angeles Times

Get your friends over for a good catch-up.

Independent

A good catch-rate is one marlin for every ten days of fishing.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a good catch" to describe a person, ensure the context clarifies why they are considered desirable, such as mentioning their qualities or accomplishments.

Common error

Avoid using "a good catch" in formal or professional settings where a more neutral or specific term would be more appropriate. For example, use "promising candidate" instead of "a good catch" when referring to a job applicant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good catch" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used as a predicate nominative or object complement. It describes someone or something considered desirable or advantageous, indicating positive attributes or value. This is supported by Ludwig and by the examples that show it being used to describe people, objects, and opportunities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a good catch" is a common and generally accepted phrase used to describe something or someone considered desirable or advantageous. As verified by Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase and is used to express admiration or approval. While appropriate in most contexts, it's best to avoid using it in highly formal settings. The phrase appears frequently in news and media, indicating its widespread use and understanding. Remember to consider the context when using "a good catch" to ensure it aligns with the intended tone and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a valuable find

Emphasizes the worth of the discovery, suitable when referring to objects or information.

a smart acquisition

Highlights that the decision of acquiring this asset has been clever and will be beneficial.

a fortunate acquisition

Replaces "catch" with a more formal noun, focusing on the act of obtaining something beneficial.

a choice selection

Implies that the chosen item or person is of high quality and carefully selected.

an ideal partner

Specifically refers to a person who would be a beneficial match in a relationship or business.

a premium pick

Highlights the superior quality and desirability of the chosen option.

a promising candidate

Suitable for describing someone with potential for success in a particular role or situation.

a lucrative opportunity

Focuses on the financial gain or profit associated with a particular situation or venture.

a prized possession

Focuses on the high value and desirability of something owned.

a strategic advantage

Highlights the benefit gained in a competitive scenario.

FAQs

How can I use "a good catch" in a sentence?

You can use "a good catch" to describe someone desirable in a relationship, as in "He's "a good catch" because he's kind and successful", or to describe something valuable, such as "This antique is "a good catch" for any collector".

What are some alternatives to saying "a good catch"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a valuable find" for objects, or "an ideal partner" when referring to a person.

Is it appropriate to describe someone as "a good catch" in a formal setting?

No, using "a good catch" to describe someone is generally considered informal. In a formal setting, it's better to use phrases that highlight specific qualities or qualifications, such as "a promising candidate" or "a valuable asset".

When is it appropriate to use "a good catch"?

It's appropriate to use "a good catch" in informal contexts when describing someone or something that is considered desirable or advantageous, such as in personal relationships, sports (referring to a successful play), or when finding a valuable item.