caught of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "caught of" is not correct in written English.
It seems to be a mistake, as the correct phrase would typically be "caught off" or "caught in." Example: "He was caught off guard by the sudden announcement."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

All we caught of coyotes in Maine was their scat.

The New York Times

Drunkenly, stung by the glimpse he caught of Susan and her lover that afternoon, Hal volunteers for the job.

The New York Times - Books

Mike Gatting's ambitious reverse sweep ends in disaster when he is caught of the innocuous bowling of Allan Border.

The Guardian - Sport

It originated in a glimpse he caught of a child's face peeking out from behind a curtain in a patron's home.

The New York Times - Arts

A view caught of Pluto at sunset on 14 July showed the rugged terrain in sharp relief, with mountains believed to be up to 11,000ft high, flanked by huge plains and glaciers.

Independent

But I like it also when the fat impasto of the canvas gets slashed by a tourist with a claw hammer, and a glimpse is caught of what you couldn't say.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

What would he catch of you?

The New York Times

CATCH OF THE DAY, by Kristan Higgins.

The New York Times

And catch of the series is not on this list.

The Guardian - Sport

But the biggest "Sesame Street" catch of all?

Huffington Post

It's the hardest one to catch of the three.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If you intend to describe the act of capturing someone or something, use "caught by", "caught in", or similar constructions that adhere to standard English grammar.

Common error

Avoid using "caught of" when you mean "caught off guard". The latter is an idiomatic expression that accurately conveys surprise or unpreparedness, while "caught of" is not a recognized phrase in standard English.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "caught of" is typically intended to function as part of a verb phrase, often aiming to convey a sense of surprise or being unprepared. However, it's grammatically incorrect. Ludwig indicates that the correct phrasing would usually be "caught off" or "caught in".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "caught of" appears in various sources, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect. As Ludwig AI points out, the intended meaning often revolves around surprise or unpreparedness, but more appropriate alternatives like "caught off guard", "caught by surprise", or "caught in" should be used instead. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, but its incorrectness suggests a need for careful editing and a preference for standard English grammar in formal writing. It's crucial to avoid "caught of" and opt for grammatically sound alternatives to ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

caught off guard

Indicates a state of surprise or unpreparedness.

caught by surprise

Similar to 'caught off guard', but emphasizes the element of unexpectedness.

taken by surprise

Highlights being affected by an unexpected event or situation.

caught in the act

Refers to being discovered while doing something wrong or prohibited.

caught on camera

Specifies that an action or event was recorded.

taken into custody

Describes being arrested or detained by law enforcement.

apprehended

Formal term for capturing or arresting someone.

seized

Indicates forceful taking or capture.

glimpsed

Refers to catching a brief or fleeting view of something.

spotted

Simple way to say noticed someone or something.

FAQs

What is the correct way to use "caught of" in a sentence?

The phrase "caught of" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. You likely intend to use a different phrase such as "caught off guard", or "caught by surprise", depending on the context.

What does it mean to be "caught off guard"?

To be "caught off guard" means to be surprised by something unexpected. For instance, "I was caught off guard by the sudden announcement."

Are there alternatives to "caught of" that I can use?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use phrases like "caught off guard", "caught by surprise", "taken by surprise", or simply "caught in".

Why is "caught of" considered incorrect?

The phrase "caught of" doesn't follow standard English grammar rules and is not a recognized idiomatic expression. Common alternatives such as "caught off guard" or "caught by" are grammatically correct and widely accepted.