may catch on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may catch on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest that something has the potential to become popular or widely accepted. Example: "This new trend in sustainable fashion may catch on as more consumers become environmentally conscious."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

But a sensitive eye may catch on right away.

The New Yorker

"One site may catch on in a certain country, and another may catch on elsewhere," said Mr. Lipsman.

The New York Times - Tech

But with his size and ability, he may catch on again real quick.

The New York Times - Sports

And S.V.O. may catch on with more people who are currently buying taxed biodiesel.

The New York Times

As bike lanes are added to more city streets, chainless drive systems may catch on with urbanites looking for low-maintenance solutions, said Mr. Wallach at Sid's Bikes.

The New York Times

Another reason it may catch on: Mr. Sneeden said business executives were drawn to the Sony Smartwatch because it allowed them to interact with their phones in meetings without seeming rude.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Such measures may not catch on completely - one man told us he had difficulty growing the substitute plants.

BBC

"The more complex bushy model of human evolution that most specialists now subscribe to may never catch on," he said, "if only because it is complex, and it will seem overly technical to many nonspecialists".

The New York Times - Science

And while it may not catch on with everyone, I suspect it could prove popular with younger crowds.

TechCrunch

While the new identity may take awhile to catch on, there are a couple of advantages over the current one.

The New York Times

Viewers, however, may be slower to catch on, even if they're laughing too much to care.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may catch on" to express an opinion about the future potential of something becoming popular or accepted, but acknowledge the uncertainty. For example, "While the initial response has been lukewarm, this new technology "may catch on" as its benefits become more apparent".

Common error

Avoid using "will catch on" when "may catch on" is more appropriate. "Will catch on" implies certainty, while "may catch on" acknowledges that the popularity is not guaranteed. The use of "may" adds a nuance of possibility rather than assurance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may catch on" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a prediction or speculation about future popularity or acceptance. As Ludwig AI says, it suggests a possibility rather than a certainty. It is often used to evaluate the potential success of a new trend, technology, or idea.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

31%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may catch on" is a versatile expression used to suggest that something has the potential to become popular or widely accepted. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts, especially in News & Media. When using this phrase, remember to consider the degree of certainty you want to convey and choose the most appropriate wording to avoid overstating the likelihood of something becoming popular. Consider alternatives like "might become popular" or "could gain traction" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might become popular

Focuses on the potential for widespread acceptance.

could gain traction

Emphasizes the idea of gaining momentum and wider use.

might take off

Suggests a rapid and successful increase in popularity.

could become a trend

Highlights the possibility of a short-lived surge in popularity.

might find acceptance

Focuses on the idea of being accepted or approved of.

could gain currency

Implies spreading into common usage or practice.

might be adopted

Focuses on the action of being taken up or embraced.

could prevail

Suggests a longer-term success or dominance.

might become widespread

Emphasizes the geographic or demographic spread.

could resonate with people

Focuses on the ability to connect emotionally or intellectually with a group.

FAQs

What does "may catch on" mean?

The phrase "may catch on" suggests that something has the potential to become popular or widely accepted in the future. It indicates a possibility rather than a certainty.

How can I use "may catch on" in a sentence?

You can use "may catch on" to express a prediction or speculation about the future success or adoption of something. For example, "This new trend in sustainable fashion "might become popular" as more consumers become environmentally conscious."

What are some alternatives to saying "may catch on"?

Alternatives to "may catch on" include "could gain traction", "might take off", or "could become a trend", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "may catch on" or "will catch on"?

"May catch on" indicates a possibility, while "will catch on" implies certainty. Choose "may catch on" when you want to express a prediction or speculation, and "will catch on" when you have strong evidence to support a definite outcome.