What are the definitions of “catch up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 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.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “catch up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb catch up is to reach the same level or progress as someone or something else, especially after being behind. It can be used to describe getting up to date with work, news, or even reaching someone who is ahead of you in a race.
What are the different verb forms of “catch up”?
| Root Verb | catch up |
| Third Person Singular Present | catches up |
| Present Participle | catching up |
| Simple Past | caught up |
| Past Participle | caught up |
Example
I need to catch up on my homework this weekend.
Example
She catches up on her favorite TV shows during the weekend.
Example
He is catching up with his old friends at the reunion.
Example
Yesterday, they caught up on all the latest gossip.
Example
She had caught up on her emails by the end of the day.
What kind of phrasal verb is “catch up”?
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.)
Intransitive verb
“catch up” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
I need to catch up on my homework.
Example
She caught up with her friend during the race.
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 up” 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
I need to catch up on my homework.
Example
She caught up with her friend during the race.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “catch up”?
Good things to know
Does “catch up” have an informal or formal tone?
Catch up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, but it can also be used in more formal settings, such as in a work or academic context.
