A1 verb Neutral #184 most common

catch

/kætʃ/

To take hold of something that is moving, usually with your hands. It also means to be in time to get on a vehicle like a bus or train before it leaves.

Examples

3 of 5
1

Can you catch the ball?

Are you able to take the ball with your hands?

2

He tried to catch the speaker's eye during the meeting.

He attempted to get the attention of the person speaking.

3

I will catch you later at the park!

I will see you or talk to you another time at the park!

Word Family

Noun
catch
Verb
catch
Adjective
catchy
Related
catcher
💡

Memory Tip

Think of your hand forming a 'C' shape to 'Catch' a ball.

Quick Quiz

If we don't leave the house now, we will not ___ the last train.

Correct!

The correct answer is: catch

Examples

1

Can you catch the ball?

everyday

Are you able to take the ball with your hands?

2

He tried to catch the speaker's eye during the meeting.

formal

He attempted to get the attention of the person speaking.

3

I will catch you later at the park!

informal

I will see you or talk to you another time at the park!

4

The study aims to catch any variations in the data early on.

academic

The research tries to identify differences in the information quickly.

5

I need to catch a flight to London for the sales conference.

business

I must board my airplane to London for the business meeting.

Word Family

Noun
catch
Verb
catch
Adjective
catchy
Related
catcher

Common Collocations

catch a cold to become sick with a minor illness
catch a bus to arrive in time to board a bus
catch fire to start burning
catch a glimpse to see something for a very short moment
catch one's breath to rest until breathing returns to normal

Common Phrases

catch someone red-handed

to find someone in the middle of doing something wrong

catch some Z's

to get some sleep

what's the catch?

what is the hidden problem or trick in this situation?

Often Confused With

catch vs fetch

Catch involves stopping a moving object, while fetch means going to get something and bringing it back.

📝

Usage Notes

Catch is used for physical objects, transportation, and illnesses. It implies that the object is moving or that you must act quickly before something is gone.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use the regular ending '-ed' (catched), but the correct past tense form is 'caught'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of your hand forming a 'C' shape to 'Catch' a ball.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Old French word 'cachier', which meant to hunt or chase.

Grammar Patterns

Irregular verb forms: catch (base), caught (past), caught (past participle). Followed by a direct object: catch + [noun].
🌍

Cultural Context

In English-speaking countries, 'catching a game' is a very common way to say you are going to watch a sports match.

Quick Quiz

If we don't leave the house now, we will not ___ the last train.

Correct!

The correct answer is: catch

Related Words

antibiotic

B2

Relating to a substance that is capable of destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, especially bacteria. It describes medications or properties used to treat infections caused by bacteria rather than viruses.

antibody

B2

A protective protein produced by the immune system in response to the presence of a foreign substance, called an antigen. It identifies and neutralizes threats like bacteria, viruses, and toxins to prevent infection.

immunization

B2

The process by which an individual's immune system becomes protected against a specific disease, typically through the administration of a vaccine. It refers to both the act of giving a vaccine and the resulting state of being immune to an infection.

injection

B2

An injection is the act of putting a liquid, especially a drug, into a person's body using a needle and a syringe. Metaphorically, it refers to the act of introducing something new, such as money or energy, into a system or organization to improve it.

prescription

B2

Relating to a medicine or treatment that can only be obtained through a written order from a qualified doctor. It describes items that are legally regulated and require professional authorization rather than being available for direct purchase.

anesthetic

B2

A substance or drug that induces a reversible loss of sensation or consciousness. It is used in medical procedures to prevent a patient from feeling pain during surgery or other painful treatments.

vaccine

B2

A substance used to stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity against one or several diseases. It is typically prepared from the causative agent of a disease or a synthetic substitute and is administered to prevent future infection.

medication

B2

To treat a person or animal with medicine, or to provide a drug to alleviate symptoms and manage health conditions. It describes the professional act of administering healthcare substances or the personal act of self-treating a condition.

blond

B2

A person, typically a male, who has fair or pale yellow hair. While it is more commonly used as an adjective, as a noun it refers specifically to the individual with this hair color.

sedative

B2

Describing a substance or quality that tends to calm, soothe, or induce sleep. It is commonly used in medical contexts to describe drugs that reduce excitement or in general contexts to describe anything that has a quietening effect.

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