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Phrasal verbs "catch on" vs "catch up with"

Differences between catch on and catch up with

Catch on means to understand or comprehend something, while catch up with means to reach the same level or status as someone or something.

Meanings and Definitions: catch on vs catch up with

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 up with

  • 1Do something that should have been done earlier.

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

  • 2Meet someone after a period of time and find out what they have been doing.

    I CAUGHT UP WITH her at the conference.

  • 3When something negative starts to have an effect.

    His criminal behaviour is starting to CATCH UP WITH him.

  • 4Punish someone after they have been doing something wrong for a long time.

    The tax authorities CAUGHT UP WITH me for not submitting my tax returns.

  • 5Learn something new that many people already understand.

    My mother's trying to CATCH UP WITH computers.

Usage Examples: catch on, catch up with 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 up with

Example

I need to catch up with my old friends from college.

Example

She catches up with her childhood friend every few months.

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.

Example

It took him a while to figure out how to fix the broken machine, but he eventually did it.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Catch up with

keep up with

To maintain the same pace or level as someone or something.

Example

She had to run faster to keep up with her friend who was a professional athlete.

be on par with

To be at the same level or standard as someone or something.

Example

The company's products are now on par with their competitors' after investing in research and development.

make up for lost time

To work harder or faster to compensate for time lost due to delays or setbacks.

Example

After being sick for a week, she had to make up for lost time by working overtime to meet the deadline.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “on”

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

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

In daily conversation, people use catch up with more often than catch on. This is because catch up with is used for more daily tasks and routines such as catching up with friends or work, while catch on is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about understanding something. So, while both phrases are used, catch up with is more common in everyday conversation.

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

Catch on and catch up with 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 up with

The tone of catch on and catch up with can differ based on context. Catch on often carries a positive or excited tone when related to understanding or learning something new, while catch up with typically has a neutral or slightly negative tone, especially when referring to catching up with work or responsibilities.

catch on & catch up with: Synonyms and Antonyms

Catch on

Synonyms

Antonyms

Catch up with

Synonyms

Antonyms

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