has caught on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has caught on" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It typically means that something has become popular or widely accepted by people. Example: "The new app has caught on quickly, with thousands of downloads in its first week of release."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Neither style has caught on, though one, at least, possesses the virtue of distinctiveness.

The New York Times - Food

But it has caught on fast.

The New York Times

And this gold standard has caught on outside of Hollywood.

The New York Times

That illogic has caught on, particularly among Republicans.

The New York Times

"It absolutely has caught on," Mr. Weil said.

The New York Times

As the procedure has caught on in some places, few serious complications have been reported.

The New York Times - Health

His proposal to create a "bail-in" process for troubled banks has caught on with policymakers.

The Economist

It's not clear to what extent his look has caught on in hyper-feminine mainstream Spain.

The New York Times

It is a combination appetizer and sandpile for grownups that has caught on across Australia.

Forbes

Recently, though, the technology has caught on with employers looking to cut costs on expensive travel.

Forbes

But opera has caught on, teachers said.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has caught on", ensure that the subject is clearly defined. Ambiguity can confuse the reader about what exactly has become popular.

Common error

Avoid using "has caught on" when referring to something that was never adopted or is no longer popular. Using the correct tense, such as "had caught on" or "caught on", is vital for historical context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has caught on" functions as a phrasal verb indicating the adoption or popularization of something. As Ludwig AI points out, it is commonly used in written English and implies that something has become widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

18%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has caught on" is a common and correct way to express that something has become popular or widely accepted. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a versatile phrase applicable across various contexts, although it appears most frequently in news and media. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure the subject is clear and the tense is appropriate to avoid confusion. Consider alternatives like "has become popular" or "has gained traction" for nuanced expressions. The prevalence of examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian reinforces its legitimacy and widespread use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has become popular

Focuses directly on the increase in popularity.

has gained traction

Implies gradual acceptance and forward movement.

has taken off

Suggests rapid and widespread adoption.

has become widespread

Emphasizes the breadth of its adoption.

has been embraced

Highlights the positive reception and welcoming of the idea or trend.

has been adopted

Implies a more formal or official acceptance.

is now in vogue

Suggests a fashionable and trendy appeal.

has found favor

Indicates that something is liked or approved of.

is gaining ground

Suggests that something is gradually becoming more accepted or popular.

has resonated with

Indicates that something has found a connection or agreement with a particular group.

FAQs

What does "has caught on" mean?

The phrase "has caught on" means that something has become popular or widely accepted.

What can I say instead of "has caught on"?

You can use alternatives like "has become popular", "has gained traction", or "has taken off" depending on the context.

Is "has caught on" formal or informal?

"Has caught on" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it leans slightly towards the informal side.

How to use "has caught on" in a sentence?

You can use "has caught on" to describe something that has gained popularity. For example: "The new trend has caught on quickly among teenagers."