catch some air

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "catch some air" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in informal contexts, often referring to performing a jump or trick in sports like skateboarding or snowboarding. Example: "He managed to catch some air while performing his latest trick on the half-pipe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Or catch some air yourself: the park now offers Sunday ski clinics for intermediate skiers ($39).

The New York Times - Travel

Breckenridge (970-453-5000; www.breckenridge.snow.com) also has five terrain parks and four half-pipes, so now's your chance to catch some air.

The New York Times - Travel

Bring some cardboard or grab one of the discarded scraps at the bottom and prepare to catch some air on your way back down.

The Guardian - Travel

Players can hit the half-pipe, perform ollies, grinds and catch some air.

TechCrunch

And they don't just catch some air and hope for the best, a new study suggests: Even when the wind strays off-course, the nocturnal commuters use an internal compass to stay on track.

Science Magazine

Skate EA Platforms: PlayStation 3/Xbox 360 ESRB: Teen Move over Tony Hawk, there is a new board master on the block, and you can can hit the half-pipe, perform ollies, grinds and catch some air.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Passengers from other cars get out to catch some fresh air until the officers release the cars, one here, two there, like chickens set free at a shrine.

The New Yorker

I eventually went outside to catch some fresh air and to calm down.

Vice

Bicycling is a great way to catch some fresh air and feel the natural beauty.

WikiHow

Village conversations had a way of veering off suddenly, like a hawk that catches some invisible air current, but inevitably they returned to settle on certain topics: food, weather, money.

The New Yorker

Whale breath, or "blow," on the other hand, bursts regularly and conveniently into the air, and you can catch some without even touching the whale.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "catch some air" when describing a jump or trick in action sports like snowboarding, skateboarding, or skiing, to convey a sense of excitement and skill.

Common error

Avoid using "catch some air" in formal or professional writing. Opt for more precise and professional language when describing achievements or breakthroughs.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "catch some air" primarily functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe the act of becoming airborne, especially during a jump in activities like skateboarding, skiing, or snowboarding. Ludwig confirms this through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

21%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "catch some air" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, mainly employed in informal contexts to describe the act of becoming airborne, particularly in sports such as skateboarding and snowboarding. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is common to find the expression used in action sport contexts. While appropriate for informal conversation and writing, it is best to avoid using the expression in formal or professional settings, where more precise language is preferred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get some air

Direct synonym, implies achieving lift or height, often in a physical activity.

grab some air

Similar to 'get some air', emphasizing the action of seizing the opportunity for a jump.

become airborne

More formal, denotes the state of being lifted into the air.

take flight

Figurative expression for starting an activity energetically or taking off.

get a lift

Broader term for getting raised up, not necessarily through intentional action.

soar through the air

Implies a smooth and elevated movement, often with a sense of freedom.

make a jump

Focuses on the action of jumping, but doesn't necessarily imply achieving great height.

rise up

A general term for ascending, can be physical or metaphorical.

defy gravity

Highlights the effort against gravity when ascending.

experience weightlessness

Focuses on the sensation of being without weight.

FAQs

What does "catch some air" mean?

The phrase "catch some air" typically refers to performing a jump or trick, often in sports like skateboarding, snowboarding, or skiing, where one becomes briefly airborne.

Is it appropriate to use "catch some air" in formal writing?

No, "catch some air" is generally considered informal and is more suitable for casual conversations or writing related to action sports. Use more formal alternatives in professional contexts.

What can I say instead of "catch some air"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "get some air", "become airborne", or "take flight".

How is "catch some air" used in sports?

In sports, "catch some air" describes a moment when an athlete launches off a ramp or other feature and becomes airborne, often performing tricks or maneuvers before landing.