catch some rays

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "catch some rays" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is used to mean spending time outdoors, usually in the sun, in order to get some sun exposure. For example: "On a hot summer day, I love to catch some rays at the beach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Or you could relax, catch some rays and have a cool drink after you drop the anchor.

The New York Times

April 14: Bill and Hillary Clinton purchase a $3 million beachfront home on Martha's Vineyard, citing the desire of their research assistants to catch some rays.

The New York Times

"Our intrepid beachgoer had a bathing suit on and was merely removing her T-shirt to catch some rays," she adds.

The New York Times

In an attempt to relive my backpacking days and catch some rays, I'd decided to follow the trail of small beach resorts that dot the Mexican Pacific coast in the state of Oaxaca.

Independent

The nine essays that make up "Spring" take place mostly in Florida, where "the geezer fans and their geezerettes" catch some rays while celebrating "the juvenescence of the year and the senescence of the fans".

The New York Times - Books

But this is a spare that can self-charge if you let it catch some rays.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Which means it's your last chance to catch some seaside rays before the official end of summer.

Huffington Post

Across the nation, heading out to the local waterway to catch some bluefish, or some rays, has become more dangerous of late: In 2006, the number of injuries, 3,474, and fatalities, 710, caused by boating accidents rose for the second consecutive year, as did the amount of property damage caused by such accidents, $43.7 million, according to the Coast Guard.

The New York Times

"Catching some east coast rays".

Vice

But Lamalerans also catch manta rays and other large fish beyond subsistence levels - some of which they sell for cash.

BBC

"So," he says, tilting his face to catch more rays.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "catch some rays" when you want to convey a casual and enjoyable experience of sunbathing or spending time in sunny weather.

Common error

Avoid using "catch some rays" in formal or professional writing. Opt for more neutral phrases like "enjoying the sunshine" or "spending time outdoors".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "catch some rays" functions as an idiomatic expression. As per Ludwig AI, it describes the action of spending time outdoors, typically in the sun, to enjoy the sunlight and warmth. It is typically used to describe sunbathing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "catch some rays" is an idiomatic expression used to describe the act of spending time outdoors enjoying the sun. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a correct and usable phrase in written English, predominantly used informally, and is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While grammatically sound and widely understood, it's best reserved for casual settings and should be avoided in formal writing. Consider alternatives like "soak up the sun" or "enjoy the sunshine" for more professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

soak up the sun

Focuses on absorbing the sun's warmth and light.

bask in the sun

Implies a more relaxed and pleasurable experience in the sun.

get some sun

A simpler way to express spending time in the sun.

get a tan

Highlights the change in skin color from sun exposure.

lounge in the sun

Focuses on relaxing while being exposed to sunlight.

sunbathe

A more formal term for lying in the sun.

spend time in the sun

A more general way to describe being in the sunlight.

enjoy the sunshine

Emphasizes the pleasantness of sunny weather.

sun oneself

A reflective term for lying in the sun.

get some vitamin D

Focuses on the health benefits of sun exposure.

FAQs

What does "catch some rays" mean?

It means to spend time outdoors, usually in sunny weather, to enjoy the sun's warmth and light, often with the intention of tanning.

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

You can use alternatives like "soak up the sun", "bask in the sun", or "get a tan" depending on the context.

Is "catch some rays" formal or informal?

It's an informal phrase, best suited for casual conversations or writing. Avoid using it in formal or professional contexts.

How do you use "catch some rays" in a sentence?

Example: "I'm going to the beach this weekend to catch some rays."