catch with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'catch with' is not correct and cannot be used in written English.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

What's the catch with Infinis Energy?

The Guardian - Business

Is playing catch with your dad a sport?

The New York Times - Arts

They had other kids to play catch with".

The New York Times - Magazine

My sons didn't want to play catch with me.

The New York Times - Magazine

"You ever play catch with a left-hander?" Baker said.

The New York Times - Sports

"What could anyone hope to catch with such a hook?" The answer was serene.

The New Yorker

Instead, he worked out and watched movies and played catch with a football in his pool.

The New York Times - Sports

During the day, Nicks served as a counselor and played catch with Manning.

The New York Times - Sports

In the winter, she helps Fuld train by playing catch with him.

The New Yorker

But Holmes is nevertheless a powerful catch, with impeccable sporting credentials, and a big public profile.

Independent

The catch: With every desire that is fulfilled, his life grows shorter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to the game of throwing and catching a ball, use "play catch" or "have a catch" instead of "catch with".

Common error

Avoid using "catch with" when describing the act of catching an object; instead, use "catch" followed by the object (e.g., "catch the ball"). The "with" construction is generally incorrect in this context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "catch with" functions as a verb phrase, but its grammatical correctness depends heavily on the context. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals that while frequently used, it's often incorrect, particularly when describing the action of catching an object. More often the right construction uses the verb catch, or other equivalent, and after that you specify the object.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

18%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "catch with" appears frequently across various sources, Ludwig AI identifies it as often grammatically incorrect, especially when describing the physical act of catching. It's more acceptable in idiomatic expressions like "the catch with", which introduces a problem or caveat. For clarity and correctness, consider alternative phrases such as "catch using" or specific actions like "play catch". The sources indicate common usage in news and media, as well as wiki content, with less frequent use in formal academic or scientific writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

play catch with

Specifically refers to the activity of playing catch, emphasizing the recreational context.

catch using

Replaces "with" to specify the instrument or method used for catching.

capture with

Substitutes "catch" with "capture" which implies securing or gaining control using something.

snare with

Replaces "catch" with "snare", indicating trapping something using a particular tool or method.

nab with

Substitutes "catch" with the more colloquial "nab", implying quickly seizing something with something else.

grab with

Uses "grab" instead of "catch", focusing on the action of seizing something with a tool.

make a catch

Emphasizes the successful act of catching something, often used in sports.

able to catch

Focuses on the ability to perform the action of catching.

the catch is

Indicates a hidden condition or drawback, differing from the literal sense of "catching".

what's the catch?

A question inquiring about a hidden problem or disadvantage.

FAQs

How can I properly use the word "catch" in a sentence?

Use "catch" followed by the object you are catching (e.g., "catch the ball"). To describe the act of playing catch, use "play catch" or "have a catch".

When is it correct to use the phrase "catch with"?

The phrase "catch with" is typically not grammatically correct when describing the action of catching. However, "the catch with" can be used idiomatically to introduce a caveat or problem such as in the sentence "The "catch with this" plan is the cost."

Are there alternative phrases for expressing the idea of a 'catch' or hidden problem?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "the drawback", "the downside", or "the problem" to indicate a hidden issue or disadvantage.

What's the difference between saying "catch the ball" and "catch with the ball"?

The phrase "catch the ball" is grammatically correct and describes the act of receiving a ball. "Catch with the ball" is not grammatically standard. You might say someone "caught their attention with the ball", which means they attracted attention using a ball.