Phrasal verb
catch up in
Meanings
To reach the same standard, speed, or level as others in a particular activity or subject after falling behind.
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To make up for lost time and become up to date in a task or schedule.
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Definition
To catch up in means to reach the same level as someone or something after being behind.
If you catch up in something, you improve or work faster so you are no longer behind others. It often refers to progress in school, work, sports, or skills. It can also mean you regain lost time after an interruption.
Examples
- I need to catch up in math before the next test.
- You can catch up in the project if you focus this weekend.
- She stayed after practice to catch up in her swimming drills.
- They worked late to catch up in their schedule after the delay.
Common mistake
Learners often say "catch up on" when they mean improving to the same level as others, but use "catch up in" for a subject or activity (e.g., catch up in English).
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.