Definition
to catch: to capture, discover, manage to do something
Some useful expressions:
to catch a plane (to arrive in time) to take an airplane journey
to catch a film to go to see a film
to catch someone off guard to take someone by surprise
to catch somebody's attention to attract someone's attention
I managed to catch her. I succeeded in seeing her.
We got caught in the storm. We were outside when the bad weather arrived.
to catch a cold to become ill or sick, especially during winter
This is an irregular verb:
I catch / I caught / I have caught
(my jacket is) caught (in the door): (my jacket is) stuck, trapped (in the door)
a catch: a problem, a hitch, an obstacle, a sticking point
Pronunciation examples
UK: I have to catch a flight, so that I can catch a movie.
US: I went to a baseball game and caught the ball.
- "It's better than catching a fish."
- "Operator : Then for your return journey, you can catch the 10AM bus out of New York on July 26th, which will bring you back to San Francisco on July 30th at 11AM."
- "I'm awfully sorry but your fishing hook appears to be caught in my lip."
- "Rogue Trader Caught!"
- "Jean-Pierre : We have definitely caught ourselves a British!"
- "And what happens when the fox is caught?"
- "Brian : You're not going to make me catch worms, are you?"
- "In light of recent staff turnover, as well as several incidents which have caught Bruno's attention, I am writing to you with some important information regarding our termination policy."
- "If you catch me at the border I got visas in my name."
- "He's trying to hit the ball somewhere where it won't be caught."
Still unsure of the best way to use 'Catch'? Improve your English thanks to our online English lessons. We offer a free test as well as a free level assessment!
What our users say:
Test your English with Gymglish today and get a free level assessment
Absolutely free - no strings attached.