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

Differences between catch up with and keep up with

Catch up with means to reach the same level or status as someone or something that was ahead of you, while keep up with means to maintain the same level or pace as someone or something that is already at a certain level.

Meanings and Definitions: catch up with vs keep up with

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

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.

Keep up with

  • 1Move at the same rate.

    He walks too fast and it's really hard to KEEP UP WITH him.

  • 2Stay up to date.

    It's hard to KEEP UP WITH all the latest improvements and breakthroughs in technology nowadays.

Usage Examples: catch up with, keep up with in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

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.

keep up with

Example

I try to keep up with the latest news every day.

Example

She keeps up with her favorite TV shows every week.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Catch up with

get up to speed

To become knowledgeable or proficient in a particular area after falling behind.

Example

After taking a break from work, he needed to get up to speed with the latest developments in the industry.

make up lost ground

To regain a position or status that was lost due to falling behind.

Example

After missing several classes, she had to work hard to make up lost ground and pass the final exam.

close the gap

To reduce the difference or distance between oneself and someone or something that is ahead.

Example

The team worked hard to close the gap with their competitors and eventually won the championship.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Keep up with

stay on top of

To remain informed or up-to-date about a particular topic or situation.

Example

In order to succeed in the stock market, you need to stay on top of the latest news and trends.

keep pace with

To maintain the same level or speed as someone or something that is already at a certain level.

Example

During the marathon, she struggled to keep pace with the leading runners but managed to finish the race.

follow along with

To understand or keep up with what someone is saying or doing.

Example

During the lecture, she tried to follow along with the professor's explanations and take notes.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “keep”

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

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

Both phrases are commonly used in daily conversation, but keep up with is more frequently used. This is because it's a more general phrase that can be used in various contexts, such as work, school, or sports. Catch up with is more specific and often used when someone is behind in a particular area and needs to catch up.

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

Both catch up with and keep up with are informal phrases 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 with and keep up with

The tone of catch up with and keep up with can differ based on context. Catch up with often carries a sense of urgency or pressure to catch up to someone or something, while keep up with typically has a more relaxed tone, indicating the need to maintain a certain level or pace.

catch up with & keep up with: Synonyms and Antonyms

Catch up with

Synonyms

Antonyms

Keep up with

Synonyms

  • follow
  • match
  • maintain pace
  • stay current
  • stay informed
  • stay up to date
  • stay abreast

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