there's a catch

USAGE SUMMARY

"there's a catch" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when something seems too good to be true and there is something negative associated with it. For example, "You can get a free vacation, but there's a catch -- you have to attend a sales presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That's Greenfield's challenge, but there's a catch.

The Guardian

But there's a catch: she's undocumented.

Huffington Post

There's a catch with today's new numbers.

BBC

Surely there's a catch.

The New York Times - Tech

But there's a catch.

The New York Times

There's a catch here.

The New York Times

Because there's a catch.

The Economist

There's a catch, however.

The New Yorker

There's a catch, though.

The New Yorker

There's a catch.

The New York Times

There's a catch here, too.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "there's a catch", ensure that the catch is clearly explained immediately afterward, providing the reader with a complete understanding of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "there's a catch" for minor inconveniences. The 'catch' should be significant enough to warrant the anticipation the phrase creates. Otherwise, it can come across as anticlimactic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there's a catch" functions as an idiomatic expression used to introduce a caveat or hidden problem associated with something that initially seems appealing or beneficial. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "there's a catch" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that serves as a warning signal, indicating that a seemingly positive situation has a hidden drawback or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appropriate for general use, especially in news and media contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the 'catch' is substantial enough to warrant the anticipation it creates. To add variety to your writing, consider using synonyms like "there's a downside" or "it's not all it's cracked up to be" to express similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there's a downside

Highlights the negative aspect more directly.

there's a drawback

Emphasizes an inherent limitation or imperfection.

there's a snag

Suggests a minor, unexpected difficulty.

there's a hitch

Implies a temporary impediment or obstacle.

the devil is in the details

Focuses on the potential problems hidden within complex specifics.

it's not all it's cracked up to be

Indicates that something is less impressive than it appears.

there's more to it than meets the eye

Hints at concealed complexities or issues.

it comes with a price

Highlights that there is a cost associated with an advantage.

it's too good to be true

Expresses skepticism about an overly positive situation.

but there's a twist

Emphasizes an unexpected change or complication.

FAQs

How can I use "there's a catch" in a sentence?

You can use "there's a catch" to introduce a disadvantage or hidden problem that comes with something that seems good. For example: "The job offers great pay, but "there's a catch" – you have to work long hours."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "there's a catch"?

Alternatives to "there's a catch" include "there's a downside", "there's a drawback", or "it's not all it's cracked up to be". These phrases also indicate a hidden problem or disadvantage.

Is it grammatically correct to say "there's a catch"?

Yes, "there's a catch" is grammatically correct. The phrase uses "there's" as a contraction of "there is", which is appropriate when followed by a singular noun like "catch".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "there's a catch"?

It's appropriate to use "there's a catch" when you want to signal that something that appears beneficial or advantageous also has a hidden cost, condition, or disadvantage that needs to be considered.