What are the definitions of “catch at”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Take or grab hold of something.
She CAUGHT AT my sleeve as I was leaving and said she needed to talk to me.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “catch at”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb catch at is to take or grab hold of something, usually in a sudden or quick manner. It often implies that someone is trying to seize an opportunity or prevent something from happening.
What are the different verb forms of “catch at”?
| Root Verb | catch at |
| Third Person Singular Present | catches at |
| Present Participle | catching at |
| Simple Past | caught at |
| Past Participle | caught at |
Example
She caught at the opportunity to work with the famous director.
Example
He catches at any chance to improve his skills.
Example
The cat is catching at the toy with its paws.
Example
He caught at the rope to stop himself from falling.
Example
She had caught at the chance to travel abroad for work.
What kind of phrasal verb is “catch at”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“catch at” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She caught at my sleeve as I was leaving.
Example
He caught at the opportunity to work with the famous director.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“catch at” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She caught at my sleeve as I was leaving.
Example
He caught at the opportunity to work with the famous director.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “catch at”?
Good things to know
Does “catch at” have an informal or formal tone?
Catch at is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
