Catch up

phrasal verb

To reach the same level or standard as someone or something after being behind.

I missed a week of classes and am trying to catch up.
Visual representation of "catch up" - To reach the same level or standard as someone or something after being behind

Often appears as...

  • catch up with
  • catch up on
phrasal verb

To meet someone and spend time together, especially after not seeing each other for a period of time.

I'm going to catch up with my old friend from college this weekend.
Visual representation of "catch up" - To meet someone and spend time together, especially after not seeing each other for a period of time

Often appears as...

  • catch up with someone
  • catch up over coffee

Usage tips

Colloquial

phrasal verb

To gain knowledge or information about something you have missed.

I need to catch up on the news, I've been so busy recently.
Visual representation of "catch up" - To gain knowledge or information about something you have missed

Often appears as...

  • catch up on the news
  • catch up on the latest
phrasal verb

To talk to someone in order to find out what they have been doing.

Let's catch up at lunch, I want to hear about your trip!
Visual representation of "catch up" - To talk to someone in order to find out what they have been doing

Often appears as...

  • catch up at lunch
  • catch up later

Usage tips

Colloquial

phrasal verb

To reach the same level or standard as someone or something after being behind.

I missed a week of classes and am trying to catch up.
Visual representation of "catch up" - To reach the same level or standard as someone or something after being behind

Often appears as...

  • catch up with
  • catch up on
phrasal verb

To meet someone and spend time together, especially after not seeing each other for a period of time.

I'm going to catch up with my old friend from college this weekend.
Visual representation of "catch up" - To meet someone and spend time together, especially after not seeing each other for a period of time

Often appears as...

  • catch up with someone
  • catch up over coffee

Usage tips

Colloquial

phrasal verb

To gain knowledge or information about something you have missed.

I need to catch up on the news, I've been so busy recently.
Visual representation of "catch up" - To gain knowledge or information about something you have missed

Often appears as...

  • catch up on the news
  • catch up on the latest
phrasal verb

To talk to someone in order to find out what they have been doing.

Let's catch up at lunch, I want to hear about your trip!
Visual representation of "catch up" - To talk to someone in order to find out what they have been doing

Often appears as...

  • catch up at lunch
  • catch up later

Usage tips

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 4
Visual representation of "catch up"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Progress Focus

Used when emphasizing the effort to reach a current standard or level.

Illustration for Progress Focus
After her vacation, she had to catch up with the rest of the class.
LampPro Tip 2/3

After Absence

Often used when returning to work or school after a break.

Illustration for After Absence
He's been out sick, but he'll catch up quickly.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Instant

Implies a process or period of effort, not an immediate change.

Illustration for Not Instant
I'm behind on my reading, but I'll catch up over the weekend.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Progress Focus

Used when emphasizing the effort to reach a current standard or level.

Illustration for Progress Focus
After her vacation, she had to catch up with the rest of the class.
LampPro Tip 2/3

After Absence

Often used when returning to work or school after a break.

Illustration for After Absence
He's been out sick, but he'll catch up quickly.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Instant

Implies a process or period of effort, not an immediate change.

Illustration for Not Instant
I'm behind on my reading, but I'll catch up over the weekend.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Progress Focus

Used when emphasizing the effort to reach a current standard or level.

Illustration for Progress Focus
After her vacation, she had to catch up with the rest of the class.
LampPro Tip 2/3

After Absence

Often used when returning to work or school after a break.

Illustration for After Absence
He's been out sick, but he'll catch up quickly.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Instant

Implies a process or period of effort, not an immediate change.

Illustration for Not Instant
I'm behind on my reading, but I'll catch up over the weekend.
Visual representation of the word "Catch up"

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