catch
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 5Can you catch the ball?
Are you able to take the ball with your hands?
He tried to catch the speaker's eye during the meeting.
He attempted to get the attention of the person speaking.
I will catch you later at the park!
I will see you or talk to you another time at the park!
Word Family
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
Can you catch the ball?
everydayAre you able to take the ball with your hands?
He tried to catch the speaker's eye during the meeting.
formalHe attempted to get the attention of the person speaking.
I will catch you later at the park!
informalI will see you or talk to you another time at the park!
The study aims to catch any variations in the data early on.
academicThe research tries to identify differences in the information quickly.
I need to catch a flight to London for the sales conference.
businessI must board my airplane to London for the business meeting.
Word Family
Common Collocations
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 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
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 Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
A net is a piece of material made from threads or strings ti...
gloveA glove is a piece of clothing that covers your hand and wri...
throwTo send something through the air with force using your arm...
holdTo grasp or carry something using your hands or arms. It can...
reachTo stretch out your arm in order to touch or grab something....
receiveTo get or accept something that has been given, sent, or off...
Related Words
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