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Phrasal verbs "catch up" vs "patch up"

Differences between catch up and patch up

Catch up means to reach the same level or status as someone or something else, especially after falling behind. Patch up means to repair or fix something that is broken or damaged.

Meanings and Definitions: catch up vs patch up

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.

Patch up

  • 1Fix or make things better.

    I tried to PATCH things UP after the argument, but they wouldn't speak to me.

  • 2Give an injured person basic medical treatment.

    After the accident, they PATCHED her UP and sent her to hospital.

Usage Examples: catch up, patch up 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.

patch up

Example

I need to patch up the hole in my jeans.

Example

She patches up her relationship with her sister.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Catch up

keep up with

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

Example

She struggled to keep up with her classmates in the advanced math class.

get up to speed

To become familiar or knowledgeable about something that one has missed or fallen behind on.

Example

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

make up for lost time

To work harder or faster than usual to compensate for time that was lost or wasted.

Example

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

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Patch up

fix up

To repair or restore something that is broken or damaged.

Example

He spent the weekend fixing up his old car so that it would run smoothly again.

mend fences

To repair a damaged relationship or situation.

Example

After their argument, they decided to mend fences and work together to find a solution.

make amends

To do something to show that one is sorry for a mistake or wrongdoing.

Example

He apologized and offered to make amends for his mistake by helping to clean up the mess he had made.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “patch”

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: catch up or patch up?

Both catch up and patch up are commonly used in everyday conversation, but catch up is more frequently used than patch up. This is because catching up with someone or something is a common occurrence, while patching up something is not as common.

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

Catch up and patch up are both informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, patch up can also be used in more formal settings when referring to repairing something.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of catch up and patch up

The tone of catch up is usually positive or neutral, indicating a desire to improve or progress. The tone of patch up can vary depending on the context. It can be neutral when referring to fixing something, but it can also carry a negative connotation when referring to repairing a relationship or situation that has been damaged.

catch up & patch up: Synonyms and Antonyms

Catch up

Synonyms

Antonyms

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