Quick Definition
Catch Up — To reach the same level as someone ahead of you; to get up to date with news or work.
Meanings of Catch Up
| Meaning | Example Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Reach the same level | She studied hard to catch up with the class. | She worked to be at the same level. |
| Update on news/work | Let's catch up over coffee. | Let's share what has happened recently. |
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Meaning in Context |
|---|---|
| She studied hard to catch up with the class. | She worked to be at the same level. |
| Let's catch up over coffee. | Let's share what has happened recently. |
| "Don't worry -- I'll catch up it." | Using it in a short reassurance. |
| She decided to catch up the whole situation. | Applying the phrasal verb in context. |
Grammar Notes
Separability & Transitivity
Type: inseparable | Transitivity: intransitive / transitive
Intransitive (catch up) or followed by 'with' (catch up with someone). Not normally separated.
How to Use Catch Up
Neutral to informal. Very common in social and academic contexts.
| Register | Example / Notes |
|---|---|
| Informal / Spoken | She studied hard to catch up with the class. |
| Neutral / Written | Consider context; single-word synonyms may suit formal writing. |
Similar Phrasal Verbs
Practise Catch Up
Practice English Phrasal Verbs
Use these exercises to master phrasal verbs in context:
Frequently Asked Questions about Catch Up
What does "Catch Up" mean?
"Catch Up" means: To reach the same level as someone ahead of you; to get up to date with news or work. It is a intransitive / transitive phrasal verb rated CEFR B1.
Is "Catch Up" separable or inseparable?
"Catch Up" is inseparable. Intransitive (catch up) or followed by 'with' (catch up with someone). Not normally separated.
How do I use "Catch Up" in a sentence?
She studied hard to catch up with the class. -- in this example, 'Catch Up' means she worked to be at the same level.
What is the register of "Catch Up"?
Neutral to informal. Very common in social and academic contexts.
What CEFR level is "Catch Up"?
"Catch Up" is typically taught at CEFR B1 — Intermediate level. It appears frequently in neutral to informal contexts.
What is the difference between "Catch Up" and similar phrasal verbs?
"Catch Up" specifically means: To reach the same level as someone ahead of you; to get up to date with news or work. Compare with similar verbs in the 'Similar Phrasal Verbs' section below for nuanced differences.
Can "Catch Up" be used formally?
Neutral to informal. Very common in social and academic contexts. When writing formally, consider whether a single-word synonym might be more appropriate for the context.
Does "Catch Up" take an object?
"Catch Up" is intransitive / transitive. Intransitive (catch up) or followed by 'with' (catch up with someone). Not normally separated.
How can I practise "Catch Up"?
Use LexFizz's Find the Match and Flip Tiles exercises to practise 'Catch Up' in context. Seeing it in multiple sentences helps the meaning stick.
Is "Catch Up" used in British or American English?
"Catch Up" is used in both British and American English, though register and frequency may vary. Neutral to informal. Very common in social and academic contexts.