catch a taxi

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "catch a taxi" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
You can use it when you want to tell someone to take a taxi as a form of transportation. For example: I'm running late, so I'm going to catch a taxi.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Jill Konrath explains why she can't catch a taxi — and why you can't sell.

The New York Times

"It should help you catch a taxi on the street," she said.

The New York Times

He was given clothes belonging to another prisoner and $10 to catch a taxi home.

The Guardian

Or take a Metro-North commuter train to White Plains or Rye, where you can catch a taxi.

The New York Times - Travel

I flew into Dallas early Monday morning, and rushed to catch a taxi to Cowboys Stadium, arriving just in time for the memorial to start.

The New York Times

For one formal dinner, she had to carry a ball gown and shoes several blocks because she could not catch a taxi.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

On Spring Street, Staub caught a taxi downtown.

The New Yorker

Carol Stanley, 58, a child minder, had caught a taxi from Birkenhead.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

One night in late June, I caught a taxi on a darkened road on the southern edge of Sana.

The New York Times - Magazine

He was said to have left the house with bundles of cash and caught a taxi to Watford.

Independent

After bolting the three locks on the front door, he caught a taxi uptown and was home by 2 15.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about travel or transportation, "catch a taxi" is a natural and easily understood phrase. It fits well in descriptive narratives and informal communication.

Common error

Avoid using "catch a taxi" in highly formal or business contexts. Opt for more professional alternatives such as "arrange a taxi" or "request a taxi" for a better fit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "catch a taxi" functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of obtaining and using a taxi for transportation. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

General

30%

Travel

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "catch a taxi" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the action of getting a taxi for transportation. Ludwig AI validates its frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, travel writing, and general conversation. While generally neutral, it's best to use more formal alternatives in professional or highly formal settings. Related phrases include "take a cab", "hail a taxi", and "get a taxi".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Get a taxi

This alternative is more direct and simpler.

Hail a taxi

This alternative implies signaling for a taxi on the street.

Take a cab

This alternative uses a different term for taxi and is common in some regions.

Grab a taxi

This alternative suggests a quick and informal action.

Find a taxi

This alternative focuses on the action of locating a taxi.

Flag down a taxi

This alternative is more specific, referring to the action of signaling to stop.

Order a taxi

This alternative is applicable if you request a taxi service in advance.

Call for a taxi

This alternative is applicable if you call a taxi service in advance.

Summon a taxi

This alternative is more formal than "catch a taxi".

Secure a taxi

This alternative implies that you have found a ride for sure, and it is more emphasized.

FAQs

What does "catch a taxi" mean?

The phrase "catch a taxi" means to find and get into a taxi for transportation. It's a common way to say you're taking a taxi.

What can I say instead of "catch a taxi"?

You can use alternatives like "take a cab", "hail a taxi", or "get a taxi", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "catch a taxi"?

Yes, "catch a taxi" is grammatically correct and widely used in English.

How formal is the phrase "catch a taxi"?

"Catch a taxi" is generally considered informal to neutral. In more formal situations, you might prefer phrases like "arrange for transportation" or "request a taxi".