as they caught

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as they caught" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are describing an action that occurred simultaneously with another action, often in storytelling or narrative writing. Example: "As they caught the ball, the crowd erupted in cheers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

She looked at him with serene expectation, her eyes shining as they caught the light.

The New Yorker

Many quickly moved away as soon as they caught sight of the subversive message.

Independent

"God is great and to him praise," shouted some as they caught rides.

The New York Times

Mice scurried in and out, their tiny eyes flashing red as they caught the light.

The New Yorker

As they caught their breath, an elderly woman gestured to the newsstand.

The New York Times

Quiet relief turned to excitement as they caught the first glimpse of the islands' unique creatures.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

The new entrants have far lower incomes than existing members, and, as they catch up, they will have higher inflation.

The Economist

And you can feel the pure, victorious pleasure that courses through them as they catch one another's eyes.

The New York Times

They look down on me, huge discs heavy with seed and gently creaking as they catch the breeze.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

However, as they catch up, their price levels as well as average incomes should in theory converge on the European average.

The Economist

There are no limits on how long visitors stay, as long as they catch the last boat off the island at 6 10 p.m.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as they caught" to describe simultaneous actions or observations. For example, "As they caught sight of the mountains, they felt a sense of awe."

Common error

Avoid using "as they catch" when referring to a past event. Ensure the verb tense aligns with the timeline of the narrative. For example, instead of "As they catch the thief, the alarm went off," use "As they caught the thief, the alarm went off."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as they caught" functions as a subordinating conjunction introducing a clause that provides context or background to the main clause. It indicates simultaneity or a cause-and-effect relationship. Ludwig provides examples of such use cases.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

10%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as they caught" functions as a subordinating conjunction to set the scene and provide temporal or contextual information. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across different contexts. Its use is common in News & Media, Wiki and Science. While generally neutral in register, its formality is influenced by the surrounding vocabulary. When using the phrase, ensure the verb tense remains consistent with the timeline described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as they took hold of

Replaces "caught" with "took hold of", focusing on the physical action of grasping or gripping something.

when they apprehended

Replaces "caught" with "apprehended", emphasizing the act of capturing someone, often in a legal context.

just as they secured

Replaces "caught" with "secured", highlighting the act of making something safe or firm.

the moment they seized

Substitutes "caught" with "seized", highlighting a forceful or sudden taking of something.

the instant they intercepted

Uses "intercepted" in place of "caught", focusing on the act of stopping something from reaching its intended destination.

upon their capture

Changes the structure to a noun phrase emphasizing the moment of capture or apprehension.

when they snared

Uses "snared" instead of "caught", suggesting a trapping or ensnaring action.

while in the act of seizing

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the action as they are in the process of seizing something.

as they gained possession of

Rephrases to emphasize the gaining of ownership or control over something.

while they were grabbing

Uses a more informal term, "grabbing", to replace "caught", emphasizing a quick or forceful action.

FAQs

How can I use "as they caught" in a sentence?

You can use "as they caught" to describe an action that happens simultaneously with another. For example, "As they caught the ball, the crowd cheered."

What are some alternatives to "as they caught"?

Some alternatives include "when they apprehended", "upon their capture", or "the moment they seized", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "as they caught sight of" and "when they caught sight of"?

Both phrases are similar, but "as they caught sight of" implies a more gradual or simultaneous realization, while "when they caught sight of" can imply a more sudden or distinct moment of seeing something. It depends on the emphasis you want to place on the unfolding of the action.

Can "as they caught" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "as they caught" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a grammatically correct and relatively neutral phrase that can be used in various contexts. The formality will depend on the surrounding vocabulary.