get caught

USAGE SUMMARY

"get caught" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate when someone has been found in the act of doing something wrong or inappropriate. For example: "I didn't want to get caught stealing candy from the store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Did he get caught?

The New Yorker

Students often get caught.

The New York Times

He couldn't get caught.

The New Yorker

Did I get caught?

The New Yorker

I'd get caught.

The Guardian - Arts

Don't get caught out.

The Guardian - Sport

"They always get caught.

The New Yorker

Sometimes they get caught".

The New York Times - Sports

They'll get caught soon.

The Guardian - Sport

Duffers get caught out.

The Guardian

Would he get caught?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get caught" to clearly indicate that someone was discovered in the act of doing something they shouldn't have been. For emphasis, specify the action they were caught doing: "He got caught stealing".

Common error

Avoid using "get caught" when you mean to describe someone who is actively catching others. "The detective got caught several criminals" is incorrect; use "The detective caught several criminals" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get caught" functions as a passive construction indicating that someone is discovered or apprehended while performing an action, often an undesirable or illicit one. As Ludwig AI confirms, it highlights the state of being discovered rather than the act of catching.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

39%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "get caught" is a common and versatile expression used to describe the act of being discovered, typically while doing something wrong or inappropriate. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and wide usability. It's crucial to understand its passive nature and use it appropriately to avoid errors. While neutral in tone, its implications are generally negative, serving as a warning or explanation for undesirable outcomes. Remember, being precise about the action someone "got caught" doing can add emphasis and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be busted

Informal term for being caught doing something wrong, often used in casual conversation.

be found out

Focuses on the discovery of a secret or wrongdoing, rather than the physical act of being caught.

get nabbed

Similar to "be busted", indicating a quick and often unexpected capture.

be apprehended

More formal alternative, emphasizing the act of being officially seized or arrested.

be exposed

Suggests that someone's true nature or actions have been revealed, often with negative consequences.

be discovered

Highlights the uncovering of something hidden, which could be a lie or an action.

get rumbled

Primarily British slang, meaning to be found out or discovered in a deceitful act.

be taken in

Implies being caught by authorities, with a focus on the legal consequences.

be snared

Evokes a sense of being trapped or ensnared, often in a cunning scheme or situation.

be undone

Suggests that someone's actions have led to their downfall or exposure.

FAQs

How can I use "get caught" in a sentence?

You can use "get caught" to describe someone being discovered doing something wrong or inappropriate, as in "They didn't want to "get caught" cheating on the test".

What's a more formal way to say "get caught"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "be apprehended" or "be found out", depending on whether you want to emphasize the arrest or the discovery of a secret.

What does it mean to "get caught out"?

"Get caught out" means to be caught unprepared or in a vulnerable situation, often due to a mistake or oversight. For instance, "Don't "get caught out" by the sudden change in weather".

Is "get caught" always negative?

While "get caught" usually implies being discovered doing something wrong, it can also be used more neutrally, such as in the phrase "get caught up in", meaning to become absorbed or involved in something.