Phrasal verbs "catch up" vs "lap up"

Differences between catch up and lap up

Catch up means to reach the same level or status as someone or something else, or to meet with someone after a period of time without seeing them. Lap up means to enjoy something very much or to eagerly accept or believe something.

Meanings and Definitions: catch up vs lap up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Catch up

• 1. Get work, etc, up to date..

  I was ill for a fortnight and now I've got to CATCH UP on the work I missed.

• 2. Reach someone who was ahead of you.

  He started well, but I CAUGHT him UP on the third lap.

Lap up

• 1. Appreciate something.

  He LAPPED UP their praise.

Usage Examples: catch up, lap up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

catch up

Example

I need to catch up on my homework this weekend.

Example

She catches up on her favorite TV shows during the weekend.

lap up

Example

The dog laps up the water from the bowl.

Example

She laps up the compliments from her friends.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Catch up

get up to speed

To become informed or knowledgeable about a topic or situation that one has missed or fallen behind on.

Example

After being on vacation for two weeks, she had to get up to speed with the latest project updates.

make up for lost time

To do something quickly or efficiently to compensate for time lost or wasted previously.

Example

After being stuck in traffic, he had to make up for lost time by working late to finish his tasks.

keep up with

To stay at the same level or pace as someone or something else.

Example

She had to work hard to keep up with her classmates who were all native speakers of English.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Lap up

relish

To enjoy or savor something with great pleasure or enthusiasm.

Example

She relished the opportunity to travel to new places and try different cuisines.

devour

To consume or enjoy something with great eagerness or enthusiasm.

Example

The kids devoured the pizza and ice cream at the birthday party.

drink in

To enjoy or appreciate something with all one's senses, especially sight or sound.

Example

She drank in the beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere of the countryside.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “catch”

• catch up with
• catch at
• catch on
• catch up in
• catch out

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

• bust up
• prop up
• cost up
• ham up
• speak up

Differences in catch up vs lap up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: catch up or lap up?

In daily conversation, people use catch up more often than lap up. This is because catch up is used in various contexts such as work, school, and social life. Lap up is less common and usually used in informal situations when expressing enjoyment or enthusiasm.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of catch up and lap up

Catch up and lap up are both informal phrases suitable for casual conversations. However, lap up can be considered slightly more informal than catch up due to its colloquial connotation.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of catch up and lap up

The tone of catch up and lap up can differ based on context. Catch up often carries a neutral or positive tone when related to meeting someone or reaching a goal. On the other hand, lap up typically has a positive and enthusiastic tone, especially when referring to enjoying something.

catch up & lap up: Synonyms and Antonyms

Catch up

Synonyms

• reach
• approach
• equal
• match
• attain
• meet
• draw near
• keep pace
• close the gap

Antonyms

• lag
• trail
• recede
• retreat
• fall behind
• lose ground
• drop back

Lap up

Synonyms

• appreciate
• enjoy
• relish
• savor
• revel in
• delight in
• bask in
• soak up

Antonyms

• dislike
• disregard
• ignore
• neglect
• overlook
• shun
• spurn
• reject