Same verb · different particle

“catch” phrasal verbs

Same verb, different particle, different meaning. Learn these 3 one at a time, then test yourself.

3 phrasal verbslisten & quiz

catch

on up up on

catch + on · 1 of 3

catch on

become popular

catch on with/to/among [group)

To become popular or fashionable; to start being liked or used by many people.

How oftenCommon

LevelB2

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

Electric scooters really caught on in the city last year.

A: Do you think this new app will catch on?
B: Definitely. Everyone loves how easy it is to use.

Common mistake

Not: The idea didn't catch ~~up.~~

Say: The idea didn't catch on.

'Catch on' = become popular; 'catch up' = reach the same level — different meaning.

More on “catch on”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, online shopping caught on quickly because it saves people a lot of time.

Tell it apart

The fashion caught on quickly.

became popular

The fashion died out quickly.

fell out of use

Goes with

catch on (with)

Practice saying this

Next: catch up

catch + up · 2 of 3

catch up

reach the same level

catch up with/to sb/sth

To reach the same standard, level, or progress as someone or something after falling behind.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

After missing a week of classes, I had to study hard to catch up with the rest of the group.

A: Are you ready for the test?
B: Not really, I need to catch up with all the homework I missed.

Common mistake

Not: I need to catch up the others.

Say: I need to catch up with the others.

'Catch up WITH' someone to reach their level (or 'catch up ON' missed work).

More on “catch up”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

During the semester, I struggled at first, but I managed to catch up with my classmates by studying every evening.

Tell it apart

I missed a week, so I'm catching up with the class.

reaching the same level

Let's catch up over coffee.

chat and share news

Goes with

catch up + with/on

Practice saying this

Next: catch up on

catch + up on · 3 of 3

catch up on

do something you missed earlier

catch up on sth

to do work, tasks, or activities that you could not do before because you were busy or away.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

After my holiday, I had to catch up on all my emails at work.

A: What are you doing this weekend?
B: Honestly, I just need to catch up on some sleep.

Common mistake

Not: I need to catch up my sleep.

Say: I need to catch up on my sleep.

'Catch up ON something'.

More on “catch up on”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

If I miss a few classes, I usually spend extra time at home to catch up on my studies.

Tell it apart

catch up on emails

do what you fell behind on

catch up with a friend

meet and chat after a while

Goes with

catch up on

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which “catch” fits?

Fill the gap

Which “catch” fits?

Read the sentence, then pick the phrasal verb that belongs in the gap.

Turn this into speaking practice

Pick one and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.

catch on catch up catch up on