we have caught

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we have caught" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been captured or obtained, often in the context of catching something like a fish, a person, or an idea. Example: "After hours of searching, we have caught the thief who had been stealing from the neighborhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

We have caught up.

The Guardian

"We have caught a lot of people's attention.

The Guardian - Sport

A generation later we have caught up with Manhattan's pioneering motoring anxieties.

The Guardian - Opinion

This time we have caught him with his hand in our pockets.

The New York Times

When we return, we check the traps and find that we have caught our first elegant quail, a female.

The New York Times

Thursday morning on the deck, Fischer said, "Every shark we have caught on the East Coast has been difficult".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

We had caught the anomaly.

The New York Times - Travel

"We've caught him one time.

The New York Times

"We've caught Seattle before.

The New York Times - Sports

We've caught 46 species.

The New York Times

We had caught the full blast of it all.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we have caught" when you want to express the idea of capturing something, be it a physical object, a person, or an abstract concept. Ensure the context aligns with the active and direct nature of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "we have caught" when a more nuanced verb would be appropriate. For example, instead of saying "we have caught wind of a rumor", consider "we heard a rumor".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we have caught" functions primarily as a verb phrase in the present perfect tense. It indicates that a group has completed the action of catching something at some point in the past, with the result or implication relevant to the present. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we have caught" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase in the present perfect tense. It serves to communicate that a group has successfully captured or attained something, as demonstrated across diverse sources like The New York Times, The Guardian and others. Ludwig AI confirms its versatile usage, highlighting its relevance across news, science, and even business contexts. When writing, consider alternatives such as "we apprehended" or "we detected" for specific nuances but avoid using it in passive constructions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we captured

Similar meaning, but can also refer to capturing moments or data.

we apprehended

Formal alternative, implying capture, especially in legal contexts.

we managed to catch

Adds emphasis on the effort or luck involved in catching something.

we succeeded in catching

Emphasizes the successful outcome of an attempt to catch something.

we discovered

Focuses on finding or realizing something, rather than a physical capture.

we were able to catch

Highlights the ability or opportunity to catch something.

we detected

Implies finding something that was previously hidden or unnoticed.

we secured

Implies obtaining or ensuring something, often through effort.

we identified

Highlights the act of recognizing or naming something.

we landed

Suggests securing something desirable, like a job or opportunity.

FAQs

How can I use "we have caught" in a sentence?

Use "we have caught" to indicate that a group has successfully captured or obtained something. For example, "We have caught the suspect" or "We have caught a glimpse of the future".

What are some alternatives to "we have caught"?

You can use alternatives like "we apprehended", "we captured", or "we detected" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "we have caught" or "we caught"?

"We have caught" is present perfect tense, indicating an action completed at an unspecified time in the past or that has relevance to the present. "We caught" is simple past tense, referring to a specific event in the past. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "we have caught" and "we have been catching"?

"We have caught" suggests a completed action with a present result or relevance. "We have been catching" implies a continuous action over a period of time, possibly still ongoing.