the catch is this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the catch is this" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce an important detail or condition that may change the situation or understanding of what has been previously stated. Example: "The offer seems great, but the catch is this: you must sign a two-year contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The catch is this: you'd be awfully brave to invest in it right now.

The Guardian

The catch is this: Mr. Harshbarger already has raised more than $1.5 million, enough to give him a $1 million advantage over his two underfinanced primary rivals, former State Senator Patricia McGovern and Brian Donnelly, a former Congressman.

The New York Times

The catch is this: aside from racetracks, there is hardly any place in America where one can drive the Viper near its limits, and the car is not especially happy in stop-and-go traffic.

The New York Times

The catch is this: State officials cannot predict whether drivers will continue to subscribe to New Jersey's E-ZPass system or whether they will switch to the toll systems of neighboring states offering lower fees.

The New York Times

The catch is this, in the first round the money on the table is $1, but if we end up going into the second round, so the first offer is not accepted and we go into the second round, then part of the money is lost.

Yale University

The catch is this: Even great philosophers do not always write philosophy!

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The biggest catch is this: The barriers authorized to be built under the act must be "operationally effective designs" already deployed as of last March, meaning none of President Trump's big, beautiful wall prototypes can be built.

The Washington Post

The only catch is this is not true.

The New York Times

The catch is that this will saddle Kraft with far more debt than was expected when the process started.

The Guardian

Hales swipes to square-leg, and the catch is trickier this time, Muirhead forced to take it on the move.

The Guardian - Sport

The catch is that this is a "medium term" objective, and progress has been painfully slow even with the need in most countries to slash government spending.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the catch is this" to introduce a crucial detail or condition that affects the overall understanding of a situation or proposal. Ensure that the 'catch' directly relates to what has been previously stated.

Common error

Avoid using "the catch is this" when the drawback is already apparent. Ensure the phrase introduces genuinely new or unexpected information, rather than stating the obvious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the catch is this" functions as an idiomatic expression used to introduce a crucial detail, condition, or potential problem that may not be immediately apparent. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the catch is this" is a grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a crucial detail or condition that may alter the understanding of a situation. While not overly formal, it appears across a variety of sources, including news and media, as noted by Ludwig. Alternatives like "the drawback is" or "the problem is" offer similar functionality. Remember, per best practices, only use it when introducing genuinely new or unexpected information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the drawback is

Emphasizes a disadvantage or negative aspect that wasn't initially apparent.

the problem is

Highlights an issue or obstacle preventing a desired outcome.

the downside is

Focuses on the negative side or potential consequence.

the snag is

Indicates a hidden difficulty or complication.

the limitation is

Points out a restriction or constraint.

the hitch is

Suggests a minor obstacle or unexpected delay.

the reservation is

Expresses a feeling of doubt or hesitation.

the warning is

Alerts the listener or reader about a potential danger or issue.

the stipulation is

Introduces a specific condition or requirement.

the kicker is

Emphasizes a surprising or decisive element.

FAQs

How can I use "the catch is this" in a sentence?

You can use "the catch is this" to introduce a key condition or limitation. For example, "The plan sounds promising, but "the catch is this": it requires significant upfront investment".

What is a similar phrase to "the catch is this"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the drawback is", "the problem is", or "the downside is", each highlighting a negative or limiting aspect.

When is it appropriate to use "the catch is this"?

Use "the catch is this" when you need to reveal an important condition, often a disadvantage or limitation, that wasn't immediately clear. It's best used when this 'catch' significantly alters the initial perception of something.

Is "the catch is this" formal or informal?

"The catch is this" is generally considered neutral in tone. It can be used in both informal and semi-formal contexts, though more formal writing might benefit from alternatives like "however" or "nevertheless".