catch the bug

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'catch the bug' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone has become infected by a contagious illness, or to describe the pursuit of a problem to identify its cause and resolve it. For example: "My colleague was out sick yesterday because he caught the bug that's been going around the office." Or, "We need to catch the bug in our website's code before our customers start to experience any problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"You catch the bug real bad" he said.

The New York Times

"You've got to know when you catch the bug".

The New York Times

We know that if they catch the bug young, children will become lifelong readers.

The Guardian - Books

If hordes of mere millionaires catch the bug, Mr. Mousseau said, high-tax states could be in a revenue bind.

The New York Times

And if you catch the bug to the same degree we have, you may want to invest in the proper packaging.

The New York Times

This type of travel does hark back to an earlier era and many who travel this way catch the bug and seek out different passages.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Too broad a net to cast and catch the bugs?

The Guardian - Tech

"In the evening, purple martins like to fly over it and catch the bugs".

The New York Times

"We want to catch the bugs before the app reaches the app store," said co-founder Kumar Rangarajan.

TechCrunch

If you catch the bugs before they completely dry, one pass should be enough to clean them off.

WikiHow

Backshall caught the bug.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "catch the bug" to describe an illness, be mindful of the context. It's generally more appropriate in informal settings. In formal or medical contexts, it's best to use more precise terminology.

Common error

Avoid using "catch the bug" when you literally mean to capture an insect. This phrase is primarily used figuratively to express enthusiasm or contracting an illness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "catch the bug" primarily functions as an idiomatic expression. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It describes either acquiring an illness or developing a keen interest or enthusiasm for something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "catch the bug" is an idiomatic expression that, as Ludwig AI states, can be used to describe the acquisition of an illness or, more figuratively, the sudden development of a strong interest or enthusiasm. This phrase is most commonly found in news and media sources, with books and wikis also contributing to its usage. While grammatically correct, it is more appropriate for informal settings. When writing, it's important to ensure the context makes it clear whether you're referring to a literal illness or a figurative passion, avoiding the confusion between the two.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

develop a passion for

Indicates the start of a strong interest.

become keen on

Highlights developing interest or enthusiasm.

become enamored with

Emphasizes a feeling of love or strong attraction toward something.

take a liking to

Suggests a start of mild affection or preference.

get hooked on

Suggests a strong addiction or dependence on something.

acquire a taste for

Implies developing a liking for something over time.

fall for

Means to become romantically attracted to someone or something.

be infected with

Highlights contagion and the quick adoption of a new behavior.

contract a disease

Focuses on getting sick or diseased.

pick up an illness

Implies acquiring an illness through contact.

FAQs

How can I use "catch the bug" in a sentence?

You can use "catch the bug" to describe becoming enthusiastic about something, as in "Many children "catch the bug" for reading at a young age" or to describe getting sick, as in, "I think I "caught the bug" that's going around the office."

What does it mean to "catch the bug"?

To "catch the bug" means to become infected with an illness or to develop a sudden enthusiasm or passion for something.

Is "catch the bug" an idiom?

Yes, "catch the bug" is an idiom. It's a figurative expression, not meant to be taken literally.

What are some synonyms for "catch the bug" when referring to enthusiasm?

When "catch the bug" refers to enthusiasm, you can use synonyms like "develop a passion for", "become enamored with", or "get hooked on".