What are the definitions of “catch out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Trick.
The exam is designed to CATCH you OUT.
- 2Discover or prove that someone is lying.
He CAUGHT me OUT when he checked my story with my previous employer.
- 3Put someone in an unexpected and difficult situation ( often passive ).
We were CAUGHT OUT in the storm.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “catch out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb catch out is to discover or prove that someone is lying or not telling the truth. It can also mean to trick someone or to put someone in an unexpected and difficult situation.
What are the different verb forms of “catch out”?
| Root Verb | catch out |
| Third Person Singular Present | catches out |
| Present Participle | catching out |
| Simple Past | caught out |
| Past Participle | caught out |
Example
The teacher tried to catch out the students with a tricky question.
Example
She catches out her friends by asking them about their weekend plans.
Example
He is catching out his colleagues by giving them false information.
Example
Yesterday, the detective caught out the suspect during the interrogation.
Example
The liar was caught out by the evidence presented against him.
What kind of phrasal verb is “catch out”?
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 out” 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
The tricky question caught her out during the test.
Example
The storm caught them out while they were hiking.
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 out” 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
The tricky question caught her out during the test.
Example
The storm caught them out while they were hiking.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “catch out”?
Good things to know
Does “catch out” have an informal or formal tone?
Catch out is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. In more formal settings, alternative phrases such as 'expose,' 'uncover,' or 'reveal' may be more appropriate.
