started to catch on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started to catch on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the moment when something begins to gain popularity or acceptance. Example: "At first, the new trend seemed odd, but it quickly started to catch on among the younger crowd."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

When Vietnamese food started to catch on, the restaurant was reincarnated in a new location as Seeda Thai 2, serving both Vietnamese and Thai.

The New York Times - Arts

"My own view is that we need to be talking about him in a different way, which has started to catch on in this cycle: he knows exactly what he's doing, he's very calculating about it and he's just not looking out for you".

The New York Times - Arts

I started to catch on pretty quickly.

Huffington Post

Even fitness chains have started to catch on, with many of them offering a wide range of yoga classes as an added benefit to their members.

Huffington Post

Led by labor groups, the idea of outfitting housekeepers with a way to alert hotel security started to catch on in 2011, after French politician Dominique Strauss-Kahn was accused of assaulting a housekeeper at a New York hotel.

Huffington Post

A few years ago, as online dating started to catch on, a new dating site emerged for a relatively niche demographic: Young people who wanted their Jewish mothers to set them up on dates.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

When I was pregnant with my first in 2014, there were plenty of trends starting to catch on in parenting circles, one of which was the gender reveal party.

Huffington Post

For one thing, as cloud computing really starts to catch on, it is getting hard to tell the difference between innovation and consolidation.

The New York Times

"The concept of the 'winemaker's minute' is starting to catch on," Mr. Baker said.

The New York Times - Food

What is only starting to catch on, though, is the idea that CompStat isn't just for policing.

The New York Times

"There are a lot of new ideas out there, and some, like exchange-traded funds, are starting to catch on," said John Rekenthaler, research director for the fund tracking firm Morningstar Inc. in Chicago.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "started to catch on" to describe trends, ideas, or practices that are newly gaining acceptance or recognition.

Common error

Avoid using "started to catch on" in highly formal or academic writing. More precise and sophisticated alternatives like "gained increasing acceptance" or "rose in prominence" may be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started to catch on" functions as a verb phrase indicating the beginning of acceptance or popularity of something. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing trends, ideas, or practices gaining traction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

99%

Science

0.33%

Formal & Business

0.33%

Less common in

Wiki

0.33%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "started to catch on" is a commonly used phrase that describes the beginning of something becoming popular or understood. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and most frequently found in news and media contexts. While it effectively conveys the idea of emerging acceptance, it might be too informal for certain academic or professional settings. Consider alternatives like "gained traction" or "became increasingly popular" in more formal writing. Remember to clearly specify what is "catching on" to avoid any ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began to gain popularity

Replaces "catch on" with "gain popularity", focusing on the increase in public acceptance.

gained increasing acceptance

Focuses on the increasing approval and endorsement.

became increasingly popular

Emphasizes the growing popularity over time.

started to gain traction

Uses the term "traction" to convey forward movement and acceptance.

found increasing favor

Highlights the growing positive perception or preference.

began to be understood

Shifts the focus from popularity to comprehension or awareness.

began to take hold

Suggests the idea became established or dominant.

began to resonate with people

Highlights the emotional connection or appeal the idea had with individuals.

rose in prominence

Emphasizes the rise in importance or visibility.

started to become fashionable

Highlights the increasing trend or style adoption

FAQs

What does "started to catch on" mean?

The phrase "started to catch on" means something is beginning to become popular or understood. It suggests an initial phase of acceptance or adoption.

What can I say instead of "started to catch on"?

You can use alternatives like "began to gain popularity", "started to gain traction", or "gained increasing acceptance" depending on the context.

How do you use "started to catch on" in a sentence?

Example: "The new fitness trend "started to catch on" after several celebrities endorsed it".

Is "started to catch on" formal or informal?

The phrase "started to catch on" is generally considered informal and is best suited for casual or journalistic writing. For formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "gained prominence" or "became widely accepted".