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Phrasal verbs "catch at" vs "catch up on"

Differences between catch at and catch up on

Catch at means to try to grab or seize something quickly, while catch up on means to review or become current with something that has been missed or neglected.

Meanings and Definitions: catch at vs catch up on

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Catch at

  • 1Take or grab hold of something.

    She CAUGHT AT my sleeve as I was leaving and said she needed to talk to me.

Catch up on

  • 1Do something that should have been done earlier.

    I'm going home to CATCH UP ON my sleep.

  • 2Reminisce with an old friend after not seeing them for a while.

    I hadn't seen her for years, so we spent the afternoon CATCHING UP ON old times.

Usage Examples: catch at, catch up on in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

catch at

Example

She caught at the opportunity to work with the famous director.

Example

He catches at any chance to improve his skills.

catch up on

Example

I need to catch up on my homework this weekend.

Example

She catches up on her favorite TV shows every weekend.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Catch at

grab hold of

To take hold of something quickly and firmly.

Example

She tried to grab hold of the runaway dog before it ran into the street.

seize upon

To take advantage of an opportunity or idea quickly and eagerly.

Example

The marketing team decided to seize upon the new trend and create a new ad campaign.

snatch up

To grab or take something quickly and eagerly.

Example

He snatched up the last piece of cake before anyone else could get to it.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Catch up on

get up to speed

To become current or updated with something that has been missed or neglected.

Example

After being away on vacation, she needed to get up to speed with the latest project updates.

make up for lost time

To work harder or faster than usual to compensate for time that has been wasted or lost.

Example

After missing several classes, she had to make up for lost time by studying extra hard for the final exam.

bring oneself up to date

To become current or updated with something that has been missed or neglected.

Example

He spent the weekend bringing himself up to date with the latest news and events.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “at”

Differences in catch at vs catch up on: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: catch at or catch up on?

In daily conversation, people use catch up on more often than catch at. This is because catch up on is used for more common situations such as catching up on news or work, while catch at is less commonly used. It's mainly used in specific situations where someone is trying to catch something that is moving quickly. So, while both phrases are used, catch up on is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of catch at and catch up on

Catch at and catch up on are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of catch at and catch up on

The tone of catch at and catch up on can differ based on context. Catch at often carries an urgent or desperate tone when related to grabbing something quickly, while catch up on typically has a more relaxed and practical tone, especially when referring to catching up on work or news.

catch at & catch up on: Synonyms and Antonyms

Catch at

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