very caught up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very caught up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a state of being deeply involved or engaged in something, often to the point of being overwhelmed or preoccupied. Example: "I've been very caught up in my work lately, and I haven't had time to relax."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"I am very caught up with how words sound and he smooths it out more.

The New Yorker

I got very caught up in the children and education and making a difference.

The New York Times

"You do get very caught up in that world, and there's a lot of negativity.

The Guardian - Film

"It gave me this passion for Bach, and I got very caught up in it for the rest of my life".

The New York Times - Arts

"Karenna got very caught up with the 2000 race, seeing herself as one of the best messengers for her father, and she inserted herself with a pretty heavy hand into the politics and the policy," said one senior official on the 2000 Gore campaign who worked with her regularly.

The New York Times

You can get very caught up in it, you know?

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

They were very much caught up in the ideas that the children of immigrants, especially Jewish immigrants, had.

University of California, Berkeley

In addition, he became very much caught up in the great wealth and luxury that the Persians demonstrated.

Yale University

English football's relentlessly underwhelming present has, very belatedly, caught up with the onerous past.

The Guardian - Sport

I loathed it as a teenager, but was very much caught up in disliking Anna as a character.

The Guardian - Books

The UConn women were very much caught up in their men's team's run to the title.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very caught up" to describe a temporary state of being deeply involved in something, especially when it leads to neglecting other responsibilities. For example, "I was very caught up in the project and forgot to eat lunch."

Common error

Avoid using "very caught up" excessively, as it can sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "deeply engrossed" or "totally absorbed" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very caught up" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a subject to indicate a state of intense involvement or preoccupation. Ludwig AI examples show it describing a temporary state or emotional engagement, such as being "very caught up with how words sound" or getting "very caught up in emotion".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very caught up" is a commonly used adjectival phrase that describes a state of being deeply involved or preoccupied with something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, primarily in news and media, academic, and wiki sources. While versatile, it's essential to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "deeply engrossed" or "totally absorbed" to enhance writing clarity and engagement. The phrase serves to emphasize the degree of absorption and potential distraction, offering a useful tool for writers seeking to convey intensity and focus.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

totally absorbed

Emphasizes complete attentiveness and focus, leaving little room for distraction.

engrossed

Focuses on the captivating nature of the activity or subject, drawing one's attention completely.

deeply engrossed

Implies a more profound level of absorption and immersion in something.

deeply involved

Similar to heavily involved, but suggests a more emotional connection.

immersed

Suggests being surrounded and enveloped by something, either physically or mentally.

heavily involved

Suggests active participation and commitment, with a focus on the actions taken.

taken up with

Suggests that one's time and attention are fully occupied by something.

completely consumed

Indicates that something has taken over one's thoughts and energy, often with a negative connotation.

preoccupied

Highlights the mental state of being distracted by one's thoughts or concerns.

obsessed

Implies an excessive and often unhealthy preoccupation with something.

FAQs

What does "very caught up" mean?

The phrase "very caught up" means to be extremely involved or preoccupied with something, often to the point of being distracted from other matters.

What can I say instead of "very caught up"?

You can use alternatives like "deeply engrossed", "totally absorbed", or "heavily involved" depending on the context.

How can I use "very caught up" in a sentence?

Example sentences include: "I got very caught up in the children and education and making a difference" or "You do get very caught up in that world, and there's a lot of negativity."

Is it better to say "very caught up" or "so caught up"?

Both "very caught up" and "so caught up" are grammatically correct, but "very caught up" is slightly more formal. The best choice depends on the context and desired tone.