catch the door

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "catch the door" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is trying to prevent a door from closing, often when someone is entering or exiting a space. Example: "As I was leaving the building, I had to quickly catch the door before it swung shut behind me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

I'd turn around and catch the door creaking ajar, and a pair of eyes would peer out.

The New York Times

You may need someone to help you catch the door.

WikiHow

As you approach a door, say which side (left or right) the door opens so that the person can catch the door after it is opened and help open it and/or close it.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"They weren't the kind of elevators that you stuck your hand in to catch the doors," he said, "because they wouldn't stop".

The New York Times

A sizeable troop made the trip earlier this month to catch the doors opening as Malki and Abousabe set the early tempo before the arrival of Mr. Gerber.

Vice

Just as the doors were closing Mr. Beresford dived, caught the door, and would have been out except for a girl who seized his arm and shouted, "Harry!

The New Yorker

She simply caught the entry door behind another tenant and tried doors until one opened.

The New York Times - Magazine

Suddenly Ed Balls or Michael Portillo are just versions of the man exiting the newsagent with the dud scratchcard, or the guy failing to catch the tube before the doors close.

The Guardian - Opinion

I only ever catch the odd whisper as the door shuts behind me.

The Guardian - Opinion

On the morning of the day my mother died, I headed toward the door to catch the 7 10 bus to school.

The New York Times

RUSHING out the door to catch the first of three planes that would take me to Greenland, I grabbed two last items, a flashlight and a sleep mask, and shoved them into my pack.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "catch the door", be mindful of the context. It's best suited when the door is already in motion and you're preventing it from closing or opening further. Using it when initiating the action of closing or opening the door might sound unnatural.

Common error

Avoid using "catch the door" when the door is already stationary. Instead of saying "I need to catch the door", which implies preventing movement, use "close the door" or "open the door" to indicate the initial action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "catch the door" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "catch" acts as the main verb indicating the action of intercepting or stopping the movement of "the door". Ludwig provides examples where it describes preventing a door from closing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "catch the door" is grammatically correct and used to describe the action of preventing a door from closing or swinging open. Ludwig AI analysis of real-world examples indicates that while the phrase is considered usable in written English, it's most frequently found in news and media and wiki contexts. Be mindful not to use the phrase when the door is already stationary. Consider using "hold the door" or "stop the door" as alternatives depending on the desired nuance. The "catch the door" is a neutral phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold the door

Focuses on preventing the door from closing entirely, emphasizing maintaining it in an open position.

stop the door

Similar to "hold the door" but emphasizes halting the door's motion, preventing it from swinging further.

grab the door

Emphasizes the action of quickly seizing the door, often to prevent it from closing abruptly.

secure the door

Focuses on ensuring the door is firmly closed or locked, preventing unauthorized entry.

close the door gently

Specifies the manner of closing, emphasizing a soft and controlled movement.

slam the door shut

Implies a forceful and abrupt closing of the door, often expressing anger or frustration.

answer the door

Focuses on responding to a knock or signal at the door, rather than managing its movement.

look at the door

Emphasizes the action of directing one's gaze towards the door, without necessarily interacting with it physically.

paint the door

Indicates the act of applying paint to the door, focusing on its physical appearance and decoration.

approach the door

Describes the act of moving towards the door, without any implication of touching or manipulating it.

FAQs

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

You can use "catch the door" when you want to prevent a door from closing or swinging open too far. For example, "I had to quickly "catch the door" before it slammed shut."

What's a more formal alternative to "catch the door"?

While "catch the door" is perfectly acceptable in most situations, a slightly more formal alternative would be "hold the door open" if you're keeping it ajar, or simply "secure the door" if you're ensuring it's closed properly. See also "hold the door".

Is "catch the door" different from "get the door"?

"Catch the door" implies preventing movement, whereas "get the door" usually means to answer it or open it for someone. The difference lies in the action and context.

What other phrases are similar in meaning to "catch the door"?

Similar phrases include "stop the door", "grab the door", or "hold the door", all suggesting an action to prevent the door's motion.