could not catch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could not catch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express an inability to capture, understand, or seize something, whether it be a physical object or an abstract concept. Example: "Despite my best efforts, I could not catch the meaning of his complex explanation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the Heels could not catch up.

The New York Times - Sports

We could not catch up with it.

The Guardian - Books

Iceland could not catch a break.

The Guardian - Sport

But the police could not catch it.

The New York Times

I wanted to speak but could not catch my breath.

The New Yorker

Memphis narrowed the gap, but could not catch up.

The New York Times - Sports

She said she gave chase but could not catch him.

The Guardian

Mrs Brown's body could not catch up with the loss.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Without McGrady, the Magic could not catch the inspired Knicks.

The New York Times - Sports

On this basis, many people concluded that Mr Gore could not catch up.

The Economist

That result ensured that the 76ers could not catch the Nets under any circumstances.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "could not catch" to clearly express an inability to physically capture something, understand a concept, or seize an opportunity. It provides a direct and unambiguous way to convey a lack of success in achieving a specific goal.

Common error

Avoid using "could not catch" when a more precise verb would better convey the intended meaning in abstract contexts. For example, instead of "could not catch the nuance", consider "could not discern the nuance" or "could not perceive the nuance".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could not catch" functions as a verb phrase indicating an inability to seize, intercept, or understand something. As Ludwig AI suggests, it expresses a lack of success in a specific endeavor, and is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could not catch" is a versatile and commonly used expression indicating an inability to seize, intercept, or understand something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. Its frequency is very common, particularly in News & Media sources, highlighting its relevance in conveying various failures or missed opportunities. When choosing to use this phrase, consider the context and ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning; alternative phrases like "failed to seize" or "unable to capture" may sometimes provide a more precise nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failed to seize

Emphasizes a failure to take hold of an opportunity or advantage.

unable to capture

Focuses on the lack of ability to bring something under control or obtain it.

could not apprehend

Highlights the inability to understand or grasp something intellectually or physically.

missed the opportunity to grab

Emphasizes a missed chance to take something.

was incapable of grasping

Stresses a fundamental inability to comprehend or hold onto something.

did not manage to intercept

Focuses on the failure to stop or deflect something in transit.

lacked the skill to retrieve

Highlights a deficiency in the necessary ability to get something back.

could not get

Simple expression indicating failure to receive or obtain something.

proved unable to snag

Emphasizes the difficulty and ultimate failure in acquiring something quickly or unexpectedly.

was out of reach

Indicates that something was unattainable or beyond one's capabilities.

FAQs

How can I use "could not catch" in a sentence?

Use "could not catch" to indicate an inability to grab, intercept, or understand something. For instance, "The fielder "could not catch" the ball", or "I "could not catch" what he was saying because of the noise".

What are some alternatives to "could not catch"?

Alternatives include "failed to seize", "unable to capture", or "could not apprehend", depending on the specific context. Each carries a slightly different nuance.

What is the difference between "could not catch" and "could not understand"?

"Could not catch" typically implies a failure to physically grasp or aurally perceive something, while "could not understand" suggests an inability to comprehend the meaning. For instance, you "could not catch" a ball, but you could not understand a complex theory.

Is it appropriate to use "could not catch" in formal writing?

Yes, "could not catch" is suitable for formal writing. However, consider whether a more precise or sophisticated alternative, like "failed to intercept" or "was incapable of grasping", might be more appropriate depending on the context.