caught it by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "caught it by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of capturing or seizing something, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "I was lucky enough to have my camera ready, and I caught it by surprise just as it leaped into the air."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Gliding in, face first, I literally caught it by its two pointed cutaways.

Huffington Post

Gliding in, face first, I literally caught it by its two pointed Angus Young cutaways.

Huffington Post

Just as the Little League said the termination of its lease caught it by surprise, the school board said it was blindsided by the lawsuit.

The New York Times

If North Korea's apoplectic reaction was any gauge, the strong condemnation its December rocket launch drew from the UN Security Council (UNSC) caught it by surprise.

The Economist

The military said that both the location and timing of Saturday's avalanche caught it by surprise.

The New York Times

I caught it by default when I was twenty-one, and I often wish I hadn't".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Keller catches it by his waist, securing it as Wilson's left arm wraps around.

The New York Times - Sports

People catch it by sharing eating utensils or cigarettes, by kissing, or by sneezing or coughing on each other.

The New York Times

If a Mobble is within a 54-yard radius, a user can catch it by tapping on the creature on the screen.

The New York Times

Players' physical locations are tracked, and when they are nearby a Pokémon, they're free to catch it by playing a simple mini game.

The Guardian - Tech

You catch it by having sex, and you get rid of it by having sex with somebody else, although here's the thing: if not passed on, it will dispatch its victim, then work its way back to you.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "caught it by" to convey the manner or specific point at which something was captured or intercepted.

Common error

Avoid using "caught it by" without a clear antecedent for "it". This can lead to confusion. Always ensure the reader knows what "it" refers to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "caught it by" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the manner or point of capture. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is deemed correct. Examples show diverse uses from physical capture to unexpected encounters.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "caught it by" is a versatile expression used to describe the manner of capturing something, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is generally considered grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, although more precise language might be preferred in formal writing. Common usage includes physical acts of seizing objects or abstract concepts. The phrase appears more frequently in news and media sources. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. "Caught it by" is deemed correct by Ludwig AI and can enhance descriptions by specifying the point of capture.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

snagged it by

Replaces "caught" with "snagged", implying a quick or unexpected catch.

seized it by

Uses "seized" instead of "caught", suggesting a firm or forceful grasp.

grabbed it by

Substitutes "caught" with "grabbed", indicating a sudden or opportunistic action.

intercepted it by

Employs "intercepted" in place of "caught", emphasizing the prevention of something from reaching its intended destination.

captured it by

Replaces "caught" with "captured", giving the sense of gaining control or possession.

apprehended it by

Uses "apprehended" instead of "caught", indicating a formal or official seizure.

trapped it by

Substitutes "caught" with "trapped", implying that something got caught in a trap.

nabbed it by

Replaces "caught" with "nabbed", suggesting a casual or informal capture.

managed to catch it by

Adds "managed to" to emphasize the effort or skill involved in catching something.

chanced to catch it by

Adds "chanced to" to emphasize luck involvement in catching something.

FAQs

How can I use "caught it by" in a sentence?

Use "caught it by" to describe how something was captured or intercepted. For example, "He "grabbed it by" the handle" or "She "snagged it by" chance".

What are some alternatives to "caught it by"?

Alternatives include phrases like "seized it by", ""snagged it by"", or "managed to catch it by", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "caught it by" formal or informal?

"Caught it by" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more precise language may be preferred in formal writing.

What does "caught it by surprise" mean?

"Caught it by surprise" means that something was unexpected or unanticipated. Similar phrases might be "took it unawares" or "blindside it".