caught from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "caught from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of receiving or acquiring something from a source, often in the context of illness or information. Example: "She caught the flu from her coworker who was sick last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

May Have Caught from Sparks.

The New York Times

It can also be caught from unwashed vegetables.

The New York Times - Health

Colds are caused by viruses that are caught from others.

Independent

His son still swears by fish caught from the lake.

The New York Times - Food

We encouraged males, caught from four populations in mid-Wales, U.K., to complete three consecutive nests under standardized laboratory conditions.

Animal Behaviour

Many believe it is caught from lavatory seats or spread by witchcraft.

The Economist

The few rioters who were caught from this mob ranged from 12 to 16 years old.

The New York Times

He died from cholera, which he caught from the peasants whom he treated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I think I probably hold the record as a running back for getting caught from behind".

The New York Times - Sports

Every October, he sells squid caught from a boat he pilots in treacherous coastal waters.

The New York Times

Fish usually caught from shore include striped bass, bluefish, tarpon, bonefish, and permit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing how a person becomes infected with a disease, use "caught from" to emphasize the transmission aspect. For example, "She caught from her sibling."

Common error

Avoid using "caught from" when the subject is the source, not the recipient. For example, instead of saying "The sick child caught the flu from the healthy parent", say "The healthy parent caught the flu from the sick child."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "caught from" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the source or origin of something that has been acquired, usually something intangible such as an illness, habit, or idea. Ludwig AI's analysis supports this understanding, showcasing numerous examples of its use in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "caught from" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate the source or origin of something acquired, especially illnesses, habits, or ideas. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific publications. While its register is generally neutral to informal, care should be taken to ensure the subject is the recipient, not the source, to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "contracted from" or "acquired from" can be used depending on the context to add precision to the meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contracted from

Focuses specifically on acquiring an illness or disease.

acquired from

Emphasizes the general act of obtaining something, not necessarily negative.

obtained from

Similar to acquired but suggests a more deliberate or formal process.

derived from

Implies something is developed or originates from a specific source.

picked up from

Suggests casually or unintentionally acquiring something, like a habit or information.

inherited from

Specifically refers to traits or possessions passed down through family.

learned from

Focuses on gaining knowledge or skills from a person or experience.

taken from

Indicates something is removed or extracted from a source.

sourced from

Highlights the origin or supplier of a product or material.

extracted from

Implies carefully removing something from a substance or place.

FAQs

How can I use "caught from" in a sentence?

You can use "caught from" to describe how someone or something acquires a disease, habit, or other attribute from a source. For example, "He caught a cold from his classmate." or "She caught the enthusiasm for hiking from her friends."

What are some alternatives to "caught from"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "contracted from" (for diseases), "acquired from" (for habits or attributes), or "obtained from" (for information or objects).

Is it correct to say "I caught it from someone"?

Yes, "I caught it from someone" is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially when referring to an illness. It's a more casual way of saying "I contracted it from someone."

What's the difference between "caught from" and "infected by"?

"Caught from" emphasizes the transmission process, while "infected by" emphasizes the action of infecting. For example, "She caught the flu from her brother" focuses on her receiving the flu, whereas "She was infected by her brother" focuses on his role in transmitting it.