catch up

USAGE SUMMARY

"catch up" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that someone is trying to come up to speed with something, usually after they have fallen behind. For example: "I'm trying to catch up on my schoolwork after being sick last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

catch up.

The New York Times

We would catch up.

The New York Times - Magazine

You'll never catch up.

The New York Times

I can catch up".

The New York Times - Sports

How to catch up?

The New York Times

We'll catch up.

The New York Times - Arts

"I'll catch up.

The New Yorker

We catch up.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"We're playing catch-up.

The New York Times - Sports

What, catch-up?

The New Yorker

No catch-up was implemented.

Vaccine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "catch up" in the context of meeting someone, ensure the setting is appropriate for informal conversation. For professional scenarios, consider using more formal alternatives.

Common error

Avoid using "catch up" in highly formal or academic papers. Instead, opt for phrases like "reiterate", "update", or "elucidate" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "catch up" is as a phrasal verb. It combines the verb "catch" with the particle "up" to create new meanings, such as reaching someone or becoming updated. Ludwig examples show it being used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

22%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "catch up" is a versatile and commonly used phrasal verb that means to reach the same level as someone else, to become updated on something, or to reconnect with someone after a period of separation. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and adaptable to various contexts, although it should be used with care in highly formal writing, where alternatives might be more appropriate. With a wide range of applications demonstrated across news, media, and informal conversations, mastering the use of "catch up" is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get up to speed

Similar meaning of becoming current with information or progress, but emphasizes the process of learning and adapting to new information or changes.

get current

Directly implies becoming up-to-date with the latest information or trends.

bring oneself up to date

Formal version of becoming informed about recent events or developments.

close the gap

Highlights reducing a difference or disparity between two things.

make up for lost time

Focuses on compensating for delays or missed opportunities.

reach the same level

Emphasizes achieving parity in skill, knowledge, or progress.

come abreast

More formal and less common, suggesting reaching the same level or standard.

pull even

Suggests equalizing a score or position after being behind.

reconnect

Specifically refers to re-establishing contact or communication, often after a period of separation.

touch base

An idiomatic expression for making brief contact to update someone or exchange information.

FAQs

How can I use "catch up" in a sentence?

You can use "catch up" in a sentence to mean to reach the same level as someone else, or to find out about things that have happened to someone. For example, "I need to catch up on the latest news" or "Let's catch up over coffee next week".

What can I say instead of "catch up" when I want to make up for lost time?

You can use alternatives like "make up for lost time" or "get up to speed" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "catch up" or "ketchup"?

"Catch up" is a phrasal verb meaning to reach the same level or to become updated, while "ketchup" is a tomato-based condiment. They have completely different meanings and uses.

What's the difference between "catch up" and "touch base"?

"Catch up" generally implies a more extensive conversation or update, while "touch base" suggests a brief contact for a quick update or check-in. "Let's catch up" implies a longer meeting, while "Let's touch base" implies a short one.