catch on strong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "catch on strong" is not a standard expression in written English and may be confusing to readers.
It could be used in contexts where you want to convey that something is becoming popular or gaining traction quickly. Example: "The new trend in sustainable fashion is really starting to catch on strong among young consumers."

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Some smart politicians and related cronies had the idea to hire low-level criminals as unwitting agents and then to dispose of them conveniently; one of these criminals, Bobo, is smart enough to catch on, strong enough to hold out, and tough enough to fight back.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It caught one strong scent.

The New York Times

No. Beginning to catch on?

Los Angeles Times

People caught on".

The New Yorker

I caught on pretty quickly.

The New York Times

They caught on like smartphones.

The Economist

I think it caught on".

The New York Times

Motorolas competition caught on quickly.

Forbes

But Rogovin caught on fast.

Los Angeles Times

Digital radio has been slow to catch on and a strong BBC offering will be vital if the industry is to achieve digital radio switchover by 2015, a date Davie has described as "very ambitious".

The Guardian

As the site caught on, a strong community developed that was deeply committed to eBay.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more common and idiomatic alternatives like "gain traction rapidly" or "become popular quickly" to ensure clarity and naturalness in your writing.

Common error

Avoid stringing together less common phrases like "catch on strong" when more standard expressions effectively convey the same meaning. Over-reliance on such phrases can make your writing sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "catch on strong" functions as a verb phrase indicating the manner in which something becomes popular or successful. While understandable, Ludwig AI suggests that it is not a standard expression.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "catch on strong" is understandable, it's not a standard idiom and may sound slightly awkward. Ludwig AI indicates it's not the most common or preferred way to express the idea of something rapidly gaining popularity. More idiomatic alternatives such as "gain traction rapidly" or "become popular quickly" are generally recommended for clarity and naturalness. Although present in some news sources, its limited use suggests caution, especially in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gain traction rapidly

Focuses on the speed and momentum of adoption or acceptance.

become popular quickly

Highlights the swift increase in popularity.

take off rapidly

Emphasizes the sudden and fast rise in success or acceptance.

become widely adopted

Focuses on widespread acceptance and usage.

gain widespread acceptance

Highlights broad approval and recognition.

become a hit

Implies immediate success and popularity.

gain considerable momentum

Suggests a significant increase in progress and acceptance.

achieve rapid success

Emphasizes the swift attainment of success.

find immediate success

Highlights the promptness of achieving a successful outcome.

rise to prominence quickly

Focuses on a fast ascent to a position of importance or recognition.

FAQs

What does "catch on strong" mean?

While not a standard idiom, "catch on strong" suggests that something is quickly gaining popularity or becoming very successful in a short amount of time. However, it's often better to use more common alternatives.

Are there better ways to say "catch on strong"?

Yes, consider using phrases like "gain traction rapidly", "become popular quickly", or "take off rapidly". These are more idiomatic and commonly used.

Is "catch on strong" grammatically incorrect?

No, it's not grammatically incorrect, but it's not a widely recognized idiom. Using it may sound slightly unnatural compared to more common expressions.

When should I avoid using "catch on strong"?

In formal writing or when aiming for clarity, it's advisable to use more standard phrases. "Catch on strong" might be acceptable in informal contexts, but even then, alternatives may be preferred.