caught him up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "caught him up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of reaching someone or something that was ahead, often in the context of a conversation or situation. Example: "After a long run, I finally caught him up and we continued our conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

I think that's what caught him up".

The New York Times

NICK PAUMGARTEN: it caught him up.

The New Yorker

But then some things happened that caught him up short.

The New York Times

Behind him the others had almost caught him up.

The Guardian

But then I asked him the question that caught him up short.

The New York Times

I swerved, he got past, I caught him up at the next red lights so it was entirely pointless.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

I'll catch him up the line, maybe Daytona.

The New York Times - Sports

"Hopefully we can catch him up as soon as possible," quarterback Peyton Manning said.

The New York Times

At this rate Brownlie will catch him up sometime next Wednesday afternoon.

The Guardian - Sport

"Fortunately, some of the older guys managed to catch him up".

The Guardian - Sport

Hamilton said: "I'm trying to catch him up.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To maintain clarity in your writing, ensure that the pronoun "him" has a clear and unambiguous antecedent. This will help avoid any confusion about who is being referred to.

Common error

Avoid using "caught him up" when you mean simply "met him" or "encountered him". "Caught him up" implies a prior separation and a subsequent effort to close the distance or knowledge gap.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "caught him up" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, combining the verb 'caught' with the particle 'up'. According to Ludwig AI, this construction allows the verb to take on a meaning that it would not have on its own, indicating the action of reaching someone or providing information.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "caught him up" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb with two primary meanings: physically reaching someone or updating them on information. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides diverse examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While versatile, it's important to ensure contextual clarity to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "reached him" or "updated him" may offer greater precision depending on the intended meaning. Paying attention to the context and potential idiomatic misunderstandings will ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

caught up to him

Adds a preposition to emphasize the act of closing a gap or distance.

overtook him

Replaces the phrasal verb with a single verb implying surpassing in movement or progress.

reached him

Focuses on the act of arriving at the same point or level as someone.

managed to reach

Uses a more elaborate structure to describe the effort in reaching the person.

closed the gap

Emphasizes reducing the distance or difference between oneself and another.

got ahold of him

Highlights establishing contact or control over someone.

nabbed him

Informal; implies capturing or intercepting someone, especially after a chase.

made up ground on him

Focuses on reducing a deficit or disadvantage in a competitive scenario.

apprehended him

Formal; suggests seizing someone, typically in a legal or law enforcement context.

intersected with him

Highlights the instance of crossing paths with the person.

FAQs

What does "caught him up" mean?

"Caught him up" can mean physically reaching someone who was ahead, or it can mean updating someone on information they missed. The meaning depends on the context.

How can I use "caught him up" in a sentence?

Example: "I ran to the station and "caught him up" before he boarded the train." Or: "She "caught him up" on the latest project developments after his vacation."

What can I say instead of "caught him up" when referring to providing information?

You can use alternatives like "updated him", "filled him in", or "brought him up to speed" depending on the situation.

Is "caught up to him" different from "caught him up"?

While similar, "caught up to him" emphasizes closing a gap or distance, whereas "caught him up" can also refer to providing someone with missed information. The difference is subtle and context-dependent.