What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
got
Example
I got a new phone yesterday. [got: past tense]
Example
She's got a lot of experience in this field. [got: present tense]
Example
He's got what it takes to succeed. [got: present tense]
catch
Example
He caught the ball with one hand. [caught: past tense]
Example
The police finally caught the thief after a long chase. [caught: past tense]
Example
I didn't quite catch what you said. Could you repeat that? [catch: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Got is more commonly used than catch in everyday language. Got is a versatile word that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while catch is more specific and often used in certain situations such as sports or law enforcement.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between got and catch?
Got is generally considered more informal than catch. While got can be used in both formal and informal contexts, catch is typically used in more formal settings such as legal or academic writing.