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

Differences between catch up and catch up with

Catch up and catch up with have similar meanings, but catch up with is used when you want to say that you are meeting someone after not seeing them for a while. Catch up can be used in this context as well, but it can also mean to reach the same level as someone or something.

Meanings and Definitions: catch up vs catch up with

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Catch up

• 1. Get work, etc, up to date..

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

• 2. Reach someone who was ahead of you.

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

Catch up with

• 1. Do something that should have been done earlier.

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

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

  I CAUGHT UP WITH her at the conference.

• 3. When something negative starts to have an effect.

  His criminal behaviour is starting to CATCH UP WITH him.

• 4. Punish 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.

• 5. Learn something new that many people already understand.

  My mother's trying to CATCH UP WITH computers.

Usage Examples: catch up, catch up with 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 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 up

keep up with

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

Example

She had to work hard to keep up with her classmates in the advanced math class.

get up to speed

To become familiar or knowledgeable about a topic or situation.

Example

After being away from work for a month, she needed some time to get up to speed with the latest developments.

make progress

To move forward or advance in a particular area or task.

Example

With consistent effort, he was able to make progress in his fitness goals.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Catch up with

reconnect with

To establish contact or communication with someone after a period of time.

Example

After years of lost contact, she was finally able to reconnect with her childhood friend on social media.

meet up with

To arrange a meeting with someone after a period of time.

Example

They decided to meet up with their old college friends for a reunion dinner.

touch base with

To make contact with someone briefly to exchange information or updates.

Example

He wanted to touch base with his boss before the meeting to clarify some details.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “catch”

• catch out
• catch up on
• catch up in
• catch on
• catch up with

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

• dredge up
• link up
• hook up
• crease up
• man up

Phrasal Verbs with “up with”

• end up with
• take up with
• finish up with
• put up with
• link up with

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

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

Both catch up and catch up with are commonly used in everyday conversation. However, catch up with is more common when referring to meeting someone after a period of time.

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

Both catch up and catch up with are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations 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 up and catch up with

The tone of catch up and catch up with can differ based on context. Catch up often carries a competitive or ambitious tone when related to reaching the same level as someone or something, while catch up with typically has a friendly and nostalgic tone, especially when referring to meeting someone after a period of time.

catch up & catch up with: Synonyms and Antonyms

Catch up

Synonyms

• reach
• approach
• equal
• match
• attain
• meet
• draw near
• keep pace
• close the gap

Antonyms

• lag
• trail
• recede
• retreat
• fall behind
• lose ground
• drop back

Catch up with

Synonyms

• reconnect
• reunite
• update
• refresh
• review
• recap
• meet again
• get up to date

Antonyms

• disconnect
• disengage
• ignore
• neglect
• fall behind
• lose touch
• drift apart