| Phrasal verb | Main meaning |
|---|---|
catch up [kætʃ ʌp] | to reach the same level or position as someone or something after falling behind |
Other meanings
- to update someone on news or recent events
- to make up for lost time
- to meet someone after a long time and talk
- to become involved in something unintentionally (usually negative)
Example Sentences Using the Phrasal Verb "catch up"
- I had to catch up on my work after the vacation. I had to complete the tasks I missed.
- Let’s meet for coffee and catch up. Let’s talk and share updates about our lives.
- He got caught up in the scandal. He became unintentionally involved in a scandal.
- She walked faster to catch up with her friends. She wanted to reach them after falling behind.
Features of Using "catch up"
Separability:Inseparable
Transitivity:Transitive and Intransitive
Level:A2
- “Catch up” is often used in the past tense as “caught up.”
- When used with people ("catch up with someone") — means physically or socially reconnecting.
- In passive voice ("get caught up"), it often implies something overwhelming or unintentional.
🔗 Learn more about the irregular verb catch, including its forms and usage.