caught it from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "caught it from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the transmission of something, typically a disease or infection, from one person to another. Example: "I think I caught it from my coworker who was sick last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

— ANDREW DAS And Dortmund has caught it from Madrid.

The New York Times

She caught it from her elder brother Christian last term.

The Guardian

"It was hard to see if he caught it from our viewpoint," Girardi said.

The New York Times - Sports

People who fall ill have nearly always caught it from poultry.

The New York Times - Science

Nearly all have caught it from birds, and most cases have been in Asia.

The New York Times - Health

He knew she was afraid of snobbery — she was afraid that she had caught it from her parents.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

We could catch it from there".

The New York Times

He can catch it from anywhere.

The New York Times - Sports

"He did not catch it from me," explained Lincoln.

The New York Times

For those who don't, you can catch it from a sneeze.

The New York Times - Health

"In Hollywood, once you had bad luck, people acted as if they could catch it from you.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the spread of diseases or behaviors, ensure that the context clearly identifies both the source and the recipient to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "caught it from" is acceptable in many contexts, consider using more formal alternatives like "contracted it from" or "acquired it from" in academic or professional writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "caught it from" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, indicating the source of something that has been transmitted or acquired. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and is commonly used to express how someone or something received something from a particular origin.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "caught it from" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that indicates the source of something transmitted, whether it be a disease, behavior, or idea. Ludwig confirms its validity. While suitable for various contexts, more formal alternatives like "contracted it from" may be preferred in academic or professional writing. The phrase appears frequently in news and media, reflecting its broad applicability in explaining causal relationships. Understanding its nuances allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contracted it from

Replaces "caught" with a more formal verb, emphasizing the act of acquiring something, especially a disease.

was infected by

Specifically indicates transmission of a disease or virus.

acquired it from

Similar to 'contracted', but slightly broader, covering both physical and non-physical things.

picked it up from

Uses a more informal verb for acquiring something, suggesting a less serious or accidental transmission.

got it from

A simple and direct alternative, suitable for informal contexts.

received it from

A more neutral alternative, applicable in various contexts.

obtained it from

Similar to 'acquired', but implies a more deliberate effort in getting something.

inherited it from

Indicates transmission of a characteristic or trait, often genetic or familial.

learned it from

Focuses on the acquisition of knowledge or a skill from someone.

took it from

Implies a deliberate or forceful acquisition.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "caught it from" to sound more formal?

Consider using alternatives like "contracted it from", "acquired it from", or "obtained it from" depending on the specific context.

Is "caught it from" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "caught it from" may be too informal for academic writing. Opt for more formal options like "contracted it from".

What's the difference between "caught it from" and "got it from"?

"Caught it from" and "got it from" are similar, but "caught it from" often implies transmission of something undesirable, like an illness, whereas "got it from" is more general.

Can "caught it from" be used for non-physical things?

Yes, "caught it from" can be used metaphorically to describe adopting a behavior, idea, or attitude from someone. For example: "She caught the enthusiasm for painting from her mother."