catching up on

USAGE SUMMARY

"catching up on" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
It's used to mean you have not been aware of something and need to gain information in order to be on the same page as everyone else. For example, "I just got back from vacation, so I need to spend some time catching up on the news."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And I'm catching up on what's been going on in that part of the world.

The New York Times

catching up on X-factor.

Independent

"I'm just catching up on sleep.

The New Yorker

Otherwise she'll be catching up on sleep.

The Guardian - Music

We've been catching up on our sleep.

The Guardian - Music

The kids are probably catching up on homework.

The New York Times

He was also traveling and catching up on art history.

The New York Times - Arts

I was catching up on an episode of "Dexter".

The New York Times

Medicine seemed to be catching up on cancer.

The New York Times - Magazine

Unsurprisingly, some busy respondents are still catching up on 2012.

The New York Times - Books

Western Australia is rapidly catching up on the east.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "catching up on", ensure the object you are catching up on is clearly stated. For example, "catching up on the news", "catching up on sleep", or "catching up on work".

Common error

While "catching up on" is suitable for many situations, avoid overuse in formal or professional writing. Consider stronger verbs like "reviewing", "updating", or "revising" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "catching up on" functions primarily as a phrasal verb combined with a preposition. It indicates an action of becoming current or informed about something, often after a period of absence or neglect. As noted by Ludwig AI, it suggests a need to gain information to be on the same page.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "catching up on" is a versatile and commonly used expression in English. It functions as a phrasal verb indicating the action of becoming current with information, tasks, or rest. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for diverse contexts, from casual conversations to news reports. While highly prevalent, consider using synonyms in more formal writing. Remember to clearly specify what you are "catching up on" to maintain clarity. The phrase is particularly frequent in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

getting up to speed with

Focuses on quickly gaining necessary knowledge or information.

becoming acquainted with

Highlights the process of familiarizing oneself with something.

making up for lost time

Emphasizes the attempt to recover from a period of inactivity or absence.

compensating for a deficit in

Specifically addresses filling a lack or shortage.

bridging the gap in

Implies reducing a difference or disparity in knowledge or progress.

familiarizing oneself with

Highlights the action of learning the basics of something.

getting abreast of

Focuses on staying informed about recent developments.

updating oneself on

Stresses the act of bringing one's knowledge current.

reviewing the latest

Implies a formal or structured process of becoming informed.

immersing oneself in

Suggests a deep and thorough engagement to gain understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "catching up on" to describe becoming current with something, such as "I'm "catching up on" the latest episodes of my favorite show" or "She's "catching up on" her reading list".

What are some alternatives to "catching up on"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "catching up on" include "getting up to speed with", "becoming acquainted with", or "making up for lost time".

Is it correct to say "catching up on things"?

Yes, "catching up on things" is grammatically correct and commonly used to refer to becoming current with various unspecified tasks or information.

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

"Catching up on" typically refers to becoming current with information or tasks, while "catching up with" often refers to meeting or reconnecting with someone after a period of separation or to reach the same level or standard as someone or something.