What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
catch
Example
I managed to catch the ball before it hit the ground. [catch: verb]
Example
The police caught the thief after a long chase. [caught: past tense]
apprehend
Example
The police apprehended the suspect and took him into custody. [apprehended: past tense]
Example
The fugitive was finally apprehended after months on the run. [apprehend: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Catch is more commonly used than apprehend in everyday language. Catch is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while apprehend is less common and specific to legal or law enforcement contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between catch and apprehend?
While catch is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, apprehend is more formal and commonly used in legal or official settings.
