Let’s Play Catch

Another common word that is found in phrasal verbs is the word catch.

There are two main phrasal verbs that use that word, and this post will explain what these phrases mean and how the phrases are used.

Catch on: The first way that this phrase is used to mean “become popular”. Here is an example:

Let’s Play Catch

The polka dot ties didn’t catch on like we had hoped they would.

This expression can also mean “to develop a knowledge or understanding of something.” Here is an example:

He is a smart boy, so when we started teaching him how to drive, we knew he would catch on quickly.

Catch up: This phrase quite simply means “to stop being behind something.” Here is an example:

She was a slower runner, so he waited for her to catch up.

Another way that this expression is used is as part of the phrase “catch up on” which is similar to the first one but there is a difference. The phrase “catch up” is a little more general while the second one is most often used in the context of work that needs to be done. Here is an example:

I can’t go out to dinner because I need to stay home and catch up on some of the homework I missed while I was sick.

Here are some more examples of how these phrases are used:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/30/science/earth/30degrees.html

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This article talks about a certain type of roof that uses heat from the sun to warm a house becoming popular because it saves energy.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/cricket/news/article.cfm?c_id=29&objectid=10630958

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This article tells of how a college in New Zealand is improving its athletic facilities because it has fallen behind other schools as far as quality is concerned.