caught the same

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "caught the same" is not correct and lacks clarity in written English.
It may be intended to convey a sense of shared experience or situation, but it requires additional context to be meaningful. Example: "After the storm, we all felt like we caught the same cold."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

They each caught the same number of scallops.

The Economist

Are the odds of being caught the same each time?

The New York Times

Olga caught the same bad, no-love karma.

The New Yorker

Sherry caught the same illnesses as Greene, and even parted with a length of his intestine.

The Guardian - Arts

She caught the same flight, though they'd never met before, and I put them both up in a hotel.

The Guardian - Arts

In their faces we caught the same dilly look we have so often seen in the faces of the women who straggle along 14th Street, blocking our passage.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

But other creatures seemed to catch the same mood.

The Guardian

"The rich kids are taken care of by poor maids, so they catch the same diseases.

The New Yorker

We drove to catch the same show, performed by another troupe, in a village nearby.

The New Yorker

"Sometimes we catch the same people every day in the same week," Corporal Bodiba said.

The New York Times

To get to Tomás Jofré catch the same bus line to Mercedes and take a taxi.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In creative or informal contexts, consider rephrasing the sentence altogether to make the meaning of "caught the same" more evident. For example, instead of saying "They caught the same cold", specify "They both ended up with the same cold".

Common error

Avoid using "catch" when referring to intangible or abstract experiences. "Catch" typically implies acquiring something tangible or a communicable disease. Instead, use verbs like "experience", "share", or "encounter" to express abstract similarities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "caught the same" functions as part of a predicate, often describing a shared experience or condition. However, Ludwig AI flags this phrase as not correct and recommends using more precise alternatives to enhance grammatical accuracy. It is used to express that multiple subjects have undergone similar or identical experiences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

16%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "caught the same" is frequently employed across various media, most notably in news and informal contexts. While it aims to convey shared experiences or conditions, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect, suggesting that it lacks clarity and precision. For enhanced writing, consider using alternatives such as "experienced the same", "shared the same", or "encountered the same". These alternatives offer improved grammatical correctness and ensure that your intended meaning is accurately conveyed, especially in formal or professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Experienced the same

Replaces "caught" with a more formal verb, emphasizing a shared experience.

Encountered the same

Similar to "experienced", but implies a more direct or unexpected meeting with something.

Underwent the same

Focuses on a process or transformation that was shared.

Received the same

Emphasizes the act of obtaining something identical to what another received.

Obtained the same

Similar to "received", but suggests a more active role in acquiring something.

Shared the same

Highlights the idea of something being jointly held or experienced.

Faced the same

Specifically highlights shared challenges or difficulties.

Met the same

Suggests a shared meeting with a person, situation, or obstacle.

Fell victim to the same

Focuses on sharing a negative experience or misfortune.

Were subject to the same

Implies being under the influence or control of a similar force or condition.

FAQs

How can I improve the grammar of sentences using "caught the same"?

Replace "caught" with a more suitable verb like "experienced", "shared", or "encountered", depending on the intended meaning. These alternatives offer greater grammatical precision.

What does "caught the same" typically mean in informal contexts?

In informal language, "caught the same" often suggests that two or more entities experienced a similar event, situation, or condition. However, it is better to use more precise language to avoid ambiguity.

Is "caught the same" considered grammatically correct in formal writing?

No, "caught the same" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in formal writing. Using alternatives like "experienced the same" or "shared the same" improves clarity and precision.

When is it acceptable to use "caught the same"?

While generally discouraged in formal writing, "caught the same" may be acceptable in informal or creative writing where a colloquial tone is desired. However, ensure the context makes the meaning clear to the reader.