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catch up — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb2 meanings
catch up
reach the same leveltalk about recent news

Meaning 1 · most common

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 “reach the same level”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 meaning: talk about recent news

Meaning 2

talk about recent news

  • catch up with sb
  • informal

To talk to someone you haven't seen for a while and share recent news or updates about your lives.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

Let's grab coffee this weekend and catch up—it's been ages since we talked.

A: How was your trip?
B: Amazing! We should catch up soon so I can tell you all about it.

Common mistake

Not: Let's catch up the news.

Say: Let's catch up. / Let's catch up on the news.

'Catch up' (with a person) or 'catch up ON' news/work — not 'catch up the news'.

More on “talk about recent news”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

When I visit my hometown, I always catch up with old friends to hear about what's new in their lives.

Tell it apart

Let's catch up over coffee.

  • chat and share news

I need to catch up with the rest of the class.

  • reach the same level

Goes with

  • catch up + social
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reach the same leveltalk about recent news