English Phrasal Verbs With “catch”

English Phrasal Verbs With “Catch”

Phrasal verbs are an essential part of English, combining a verb with a preposition or adverb to create a new meaning. The verb “catch” forms several useful phrasal verbs that learners should master. Below, we explore common phrasal verbs with “catch,” their meanings, examples, exercises, and answers.

1. Catch Up

Meaning: To reach someone or something that is ahead; to become updated or informed.

• Example 1: “I ran to catch up with my friends who were walking ahead.”
• Example 2: “She needs to catch up on her homework after being sick.”
• Example 3: “Let’s meet for coffee so I can catch up on your news.”

Exercise:

Fill in the blanks with “catch up.”

1. I need to ____ with my studies this weekend.
2. He walked faster to ____ with his brother.
3. We should meet soon to ____ on everything.

Answers:

1. catch up
2. catch up
3. catch up

2. Catch On

Meaning: To understand or become popular.

• Example 1: “It took me a while to catch on to the new software.”
• Example 2: “The trend quickly caught on among teenagers.”
• Example 3: “He didn’t catch on to the joke until everyone laughed.”

Exercise:

Fill in the blanks with “catch on.”

1. The new dance move is starting to ____.
2. She didn’t ____ to the rules of the game at first.
3. Will this fashion style ____ in other countries?

Answers:

1. catch on
2. catch on
3. catch on

3. Catch Out

Meaning: To trick or expose someone in a mistake.

• Example 1: “The teacher tried to catch the students out with a tricky question.”
• Example 2: “The journalist caught the politician out with a lie.”
• Example 3: “Don’t let them catch you out with incorrect data.”

Exercise:

Fill in the blanks with “catch out.”

1. The detective tried to ____ the suspect ____ in his story.
2. Be careful—they might ____ you ____ if you’re not prepared.
3. The exam had questions designed to ____ students ____.

Answers:

1. catch, out
2. catch, out
3. catch, out

4. Catch At

Meaning: To grab or seize something quickly.

• Example 1: “She caught at the rope to save herself from falling.”
• Example 2: “He caught at the opportunity to work abroad.”
• Example 3: “The child caught at his mother’s hand in fear.”

Exercise:

Fill in the blanks with “catch at.”

1. She ____ the last train ticket before it sold out.
2. He ____ any chance to improve his skills.
3. The drowning man ____ the lifeguard’s arm.

Answers:

1. caught at
2. catches at
3. caught at

Summary Table of Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal Verb	Meaning	Example
Catch Up	Reach someone or update	“I need to catch up on emails.”
Catch On	Understand or become popular	“The idea caught on quickly.”
Catch Out	Trick or expose	“He caught her out in a lie.”
Catch At	Grab quickly	“She caught at the opportunity.”

Mastering these phrasal verbs will enhance your fluency and comprehension in English. Practice them regularly in conversations and writing!