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Phrasal verbs "catch on" vs "catch out"

Differences between catch on and catch out

Catch on means to understand or comprehend something, while catch out means to expose someone's mistake or deception.

Meanings and Definitions: catch on vs catch out

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Catch on

  • 1Become popular.

    Many critics were shocked when techno CAUGHT ON in the clubs.

  • 2Finally understand what is going on.

    Everyone else realised what was happening, but it took Henry ages to CATCH ON.

Catch out

  • 1Trick.

    The exam is designed to CATCH you OUT.

  • 2Discover or prove that someone is lying.

    He CAUGHT me OUT when he checked my story with my previous employer.

  • 3Put someone in an unexpected and difficult situation ( often passive ).

    We were CAUGHT OUT in the storm.

Usage Examples: catch on, catch out in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

catch on

Example

I hope this new fashion trend catches on soon.

Example

The new dance craze catches on quickly among teenagers.

catch out

Example

The teacher tried to catch out the students with a tricky question.

Example

She catches out her friends by asking them about their weekend plans.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Catch on

get the hang of

To learn or become accustomed to doing something skillful or complex.

Example

With practice, she started to get the hang of playing the guitar and even wrote her first song.

grasp the concept

To understand or comprehend a specific idea or concept.

Example

After reading the article a few times, she finally grasped the concept of quantum physics.

figure out

To solve or understand a problem or situation through reasoning or analysis.

Example

He spent hours trying to figure out the math problem, but eventually, he got it right.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Catch out

expose the truth

To reveal or uncover the true nature of something or someone.

Example

The journalist's investigation exposed the truth about the corrupt politician's actions.

unmask

To reveal or expose someone's true identity or intentions.

Example

The detective was able to unmask the criminal's disguise and arrest him.

reveal the deception

To expose or uncover someone's lies or deceitful actions.

Example

The auditor's report revealed the deception of the company's financial statements.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “on”

Phrasal Verbs with “out”

Differences in catch on vs catch out: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: catch on or catch out?

In daily conversation, people use catch on more often than catch out. This is because catch on is used to describe a common action of understanding something, while catch out is used less frequently and in specific situations where someone is being exposed for their mistake or deception.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of catch on and catch out

Catch on and catch out 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 on and catch out

The tone of catch on and catch out can differ based on context. Catch on often carries a positive or neutral tone when related to understanding or learning, while catch out typically has a negative or accusatory tone, especially when referring to exposing someone's mistake or deception.

catch on & catch out: Synonyms and Antonyms

Catch on

Synonyms

Antonyms

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