caught the bug

USAGE SUMMARY

"caught the bug" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is a figurative expression that means to become interested or enthusiastic about something. This phrase is typically used to describe someone who becomes excited or passionate about a particular activity or interest. Example: Ever since he attended that music festival, he has really caught the bug for live performances and has been going to concerts every weekend.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Backshall caught the bug.

Independent

Arroyo caught the bug.

The New York Times

I caught the bug.

The Guardian - Books

Big traditional firms caught the bug too.

The Economist

"New York City caught the bug, too".

The New York Times

I caught the bug immediately".

The New Yorker

Houston, of all people, caught the bug.

The New York Times - Sports

"That was the day I caught the bug," he recalls.

The New York Times - Sports

"Through all of that, I caught the bug".

The New York Times

Apparently, both Shalit's father and Goldwasser's wife caught the bug.

The New York Times

Too many other consultants have caught the bug.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "caught the bug" when you want to convey that someone has become very enthusiastic or passionate about a new hobby, interest, or activity.

Common error

Avoid using "caught the bug" in contexts where you literally mean someone contracted an illness. Stick to literal terms like "contracted a virus" in such cases to prevent misunderstanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "caught the bug" functions as an idiomatic expression. It signifies the moment someone develops a strong interest or enthusiasm for something. As Ludwig AI suggests, this is a figurative expression and means "to become interested or enthusiastic about something".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiomatic phrase "caught the bug" is a common and correct way to describe someone developing a strong interest or enthusiasm for something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a figurative expression that adds color to your language. While it is prevalent in News & Media sources, it maintains a relatively neutral register suitable for many conversational contexts. Remember to reserve this phrase for figurative use and avoid literal interpretations related to illness to prevent miscommunication. If desired, "became enthusiastic about" or "developed a passion for" provide good alternative expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became enthusiastic about

Directly expresses the feeling of excitement and eagerness.

developed a passion for

Focuses on the growth of a strong, intense enthusiasm for something.

became hooked on

Implies an addictive quality to the interest, suggesting it's hard to stop or let go.

discovered a love for

Emphasizes the finding of deep affection and enjoyment in the activity.

became enamored with

This alternative suggests a strong feeling of love or fascination towards something, similar to developing a strong interest.

embraced the world of

Implies a wholehearted acceptance and engagement with a particular area or activity.

grew fond of

Suggests a gradual development of affection or liking.

took a liking to

Indicates a milder, more initial attraction or fondness.

found joy in

Highlights the happiness and pleasure derived from the activity.

took an interest in

A more neutral way of saying someone started to pay attention to something.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "caught the bug"?

Saying someone "caught the bug" means they've become very enthusiastic or passionate about something, like a hobby or activity.

How can I use "caught the bug" in a sentence?

You can say, "After attending the conference, she "became enthusiastic about" renewable energy" or "He "developed a passion for" photography after receiving a camera as a gift".

What are some alternatives to "caught the bug"?

Alternatives include "became enamored with", "developed a passion for", or "became hooked on", depending on the intensity of interest.

Is "caught the bug" a formal or informal expression?

"Caught the bug" is generally considered an informal expression, best suited for casual conversations or writing. In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "developed an interest in" or "became involved in".