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

Differences between catch up and catch up on

Catch up means to reach the same level or status as someone or something else, while catch up on means to update oneself on something that has been missed or neglected.

Meanings and Definitions: catch up vs catch up on

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Catch up

  • 1Get work, etc, up to date..

    I was ill for a fortnight and now I've got to CATCH UP on the work I missed.

  • 2Reach someone who was ahead of you.

    He started well, but I CAUGHT him UP on the third lap.

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 up, catch up on in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

catch up

Example

I need to catch up on my homework this weekend.

Example

She catches up on her favorite TV shows during the weekend.

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 up

keep pace with

To maintain the same speed or level as someone or something else.

Example

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

get up to speed

To become informed or knowledgeable about something that one has missed or neglected.

Example

After being away for a week, he needed to get up to speed on the latest developments in the project.

be on par with

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

Example

The company's products are known to be on par with those of their competitors in terms of quality and innovation.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Catch up on

get back on track

To return to a normal or expected course of action after a period of neglect or distraction.

Example

After taking a break, she needed to get back on track with her work and complete the pending tasks.

make up for lost time

To compensate for time that has been wasted or lost by working harder or more efficiently.

Example

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

catch up with what's new

To become informed about the latest news or trends in a particular field or area of interest.

Example

She spent the weekend catching up with what's new in the fashion industry by reading magazines and watching runway shows.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

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

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

Both phrases are commonly used in everyday conversation, but catch up is more frequently used than catch up on. Catch up can be used in a variety of contexts, such as catching up with a friend or catching up to a competitor in a race. Catch up on is more specific and is mainly used when referring to updating oneself on news, work, or other tasks that have been neglected.

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

Both catch up and catch up on are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, 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 up and catch up on

The tone of catch up and catch up on can differ based on context. Catch up often carries a competitive or social tone, while catch up on typically has a more practical and informative tone.

catch up & catch up on: Synonyms and Antonyms

Catch up

Synonyms

Antonyms

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