Help center

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

Differences between catch up in and catch up on

Catch up in is used to describe catching up with someone who is ahead of you, while catch up on is used to describe catching up with something that you missed or fell behind on.

Meanings and Definitions: catch up in vs catch up on

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Catch up in

  • 1Become involved, often against one's will.

    The tourists were CAUGHT UP IN the violence of the revolution.

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 in, catch up on in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

catch up in

Example

The innocent bystander was caught up in the fight.

Example

She often catches up in other people's problems.

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 in

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 ahead of her.

overtake

To pass someone or something that is ahead of you.

Example

He managed to overtake his colleague and become the top salesperson of the month.

get up to speed

To become informed or knowledgeable about a topic or situation.

Example

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

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Catch up on

make up for lost time

To do something quickly or efficiently to compensate for time lost or wasted.

Example

She worked overtime to make up for lost time after taking a day off.

get back on track

To return to a normal or expected course of action or progress.

Example

After missing a few classes, he needed to get back on track with his studies.

catch up with

To meet or communicate with someone after a period of time.

Example

She decided to catch up with her old friend over coffee and reminisce about their school days.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “up in”

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

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

In daily conversation, people use catch up on more often than catch up in. This is because catch up on is used for more common situations such as catching up on news or work. Catch up in is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about catching up with someone who is ahead of us. So, while both phrases are used, catch up on is more common in everyday conversation.

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

Catch up in 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 up in and catch up on

The tone of catch up in and catch up on can differ based on context. Catch up in often carries a competitive or ambitious tone when related to catching up with someone who is ahead of us, while catch up on typically has a practical and relaxed tone, especially when referring to catching up on work or news.

catch up in & catch up on: Synonyms and Antonyms

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!