catch up on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "catch up on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you need to catch up with something that you have not done. For example: I need to catch up on my reading before the next class.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I catch up on fiction.

Independent

Let's catch up on double dissolutions.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, we catch up on the work.

The New Yorker

I catch up on Twitter, too.

The New York Times

"I'll catch up on silence".

The New York Times

Will Arsenal's injuries catch up on them?

Independent

To catch up on his reading.

The Guardian - Books

Friends catch up on the news.

The New York Times - Travel

Or, you could catch up on sleep.

Duke University

which I need to catch up on.

Forbes

Or catch up on the iPlayer.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When planning your time, schedule specific slots to "catch up on" different areas, such as work emails, news, or personal reading.

Common error

Avoid using "catch up on" when you simply need to start something new. This phrase implies you are behind and need to regain lost ground, not initiate a fresh activity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "catch up on" functions as a phrasal verb, combining the verb "catch up" with the preposition "on". Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It indicates an effort to reach the required level or standard after falling behind.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "catch up on" signifies the act of addressing a deficit or backlog, whether it be in tasks, information, or rest. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad usability. It's prevalent in news, academic, and wiki contexts, demonstrating its versatility. When using this phrase, ensure you're truly referring to something you've fallen behind on, and avoid unnecessary additions like "with". By understanding its nuances and contexts, you can effectively incorporate "catch up on" into your writing and conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get up to speed with

Highlights the process of becoming familiar with the current state of affairs.

get abreast of

Focuses on becoming aware of recent developments or information, rather than necessarily completing tasks.

fill in the gaps

Focuses on acquiring missing knowledge or information.

make up for lost time

Emphasizes the idea of compensating for a period of inactivity or absence.

remedy the backlog

Suggests taking action to eliminate an accumulation of uncompleted tasks.

compensate for the deficit

Specifically addresses making up for a shortfall or deficiency in something.

make good the deficiency

A more formal way of expressing the act of correcting a lack or inadequacy.

cover the arrears

Implies settling outstanding debts or obligations.

bridge the divide

Indicates reducing differences in knowledge or progress between parties.

sort through

Implies organizing and processing accumulated items or information.

FAQs

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

The phrase "catch up on" is used to describe the act of doing something that you have been unable to do recently, often because you have been too busy. For example, "I need to catch up on my sleep" or "Let's catch up on the latest news".

What's a good alternative to "catch up on"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "get abreast of", "get up to speed with", or simply "review" or "update yourself on".

Is it correct to say "catch up on with"?

No, the correct phrase is "catch up on". The addition of "with" is redundant. For example, say "I need to catch up on my work", not "I need to catch up on with my work".

What's the difference between "catch up on" and "catch up with"?

"Catch up on" typically refers to tasks, information, or things. "Catch up with" usually refers to people or progress. For example, you "catch up on" news, but you "catch up with" friends.