catch

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "catch" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb in the present, past, and/or future tense, in order to indicate that someone is taking hold of, retrieving, or getting something. Example sentence: I managed to catch the bus before it drove away.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Travel

Opinion

Music

Lifestyle

Tech

Books

Film

Money

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But there is a catch.

The New York Times - Arts

It will never catch on.

The Guardian - Sport

"If people are coughing and sneezing, you can easily catch the flu.

The Guardian

He should be able to get the lead from stall six and may be hard to catch on this drying surface.

The Guardian - Sport

Because of the difficulties being faced by the commercially financed public service broadcasters - ITV, Channel 4 and Five, the idea that the public broadcasting system could only be preserved by offering them direct public subsidies started to catch on.

The Guardian - Opinion

If you go on a Thursday, you'll catch the best drag show in town.

The Guardian - Travel

"Everyone had a character, an act, a play, a rant, and there were stages to do them on and audiences anxious to catch them," says Michael Musto, long-time chronicler of the New York scene for the Village Voice.

The Guardian - Music

When the kids are in bed I catch up with all the administration, uploading new products to the website and engaging in social media.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"We're playing catch-up.

The New York Times - Sports

Blockbuster's "pre-arranged" bankruptcy protection move is designed to give it time to recapitalise its US operations and to focus on its online business, which is playing catch-up with rivals.

The Guardian - Business

Mamonov prefers to talk about electronic dance music, otherwise know as EDM, a catch-all term for the commercial dance scene.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "catch" in writing, consider the specific nuance you want to convey: physical capture, understanding, or encountering something. Choose the word that best fits the context.

Common error

Avoid using "catch" when a more precise verb like "understand", "detect", or "experience" would be more appropriate. Overusing "catch" can make your writing vague.

Linguistic Context

The word "catch" primarily functions as a verb, denoting actions such as seizing, intercepting, or understanding. It can also function as a noun, referring to the act of catching, something caught, or a hidden difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Sport

18%

Travel

10%

Less common in

Opinion

8%

Music

7%

Lifestyle

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "catch" is a versatile word with multiple meanings, ranging from physical actions to understanding and encountering situations. Ludwig AI validates its use as both a verb and a noun, demonstrating its broad applicability. Its frequency and usage patterns across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Sport, highlight its importance in everyday communication. When writing, it's crucial to consider the specific nuance you want to convey, and avoid overusing "catch" when a more precise word could be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capture

Focuses more on the act of gaining possession or control, often implying effort or strategy.

seize

Highlights the act of taking hold of something quickly and decisively.

apprehend

Emphasizes the act of seizing someone, usually in a legal context.

intercept

Specifically refers to stopping something in transit.

grasp

Implies a firm hold, both physically and mentally.

understand

Relates to grasping the meaning or significance of something.

nab

Informal term for catching, often used for catching criminals.

detect

Focuses on noticing or discovering something not immediately obvious.

snag

Suggests obtaining something unexpectedly or with difficulty.

ensnare

Implies trapping or capturing, often through cunning or deception.

FAQs

How can I use "catch" in a sentence?

You can use "catch" to describe physically grabbing something, like "I will throw you the ball, and you "catch" it". It can also mean to understand something, as in "Did you "catch" his name?".

What can I say instead of "catch"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "capture", "seize", "understand", or "detect". The best choice depends on what you're trying to convey.

Is it correct to say "I'm going to catch a movie"?

Yes, "I'm going to "catch" a movie" is a common and acceptable way to say you plan to watch a movie.

What's the difference between "catch" and "capture"?

"Catch" can refer to various actions, including grabbing something in motion or understanding information. "Capture", on the other hand, usually implies gaining control or possession of something, often with effort or strategy. So, "capture" something indicates a more forceful or deliberate action than simply "catch" something.