Phrasal verb
catch up on
Meanings
To do or finish work, tasks, or responsibilities that you did not do earlier.
To read, watch, or learn information you missed so you are informed and up to date.
Definition
To catch up on something means to do or learn what you missed so you are up to date.
To catch up on something is to spend time doing tasks, reading, watching, or studying things you did not have time for before. People use it when they have fallen behind and want to become current again. It often suggests a backlog that is now being handled.
Examples
- I need to catch up on my emails after the conference.
- You can catch up on the lecture notes before the quiz.
- She stayed late to catch up on her reports.
- They used the weekend to catch up on the news and messages.
Common mistake
Learners often say "catch up" without "on" and forget to mention what is being caught up on (e.g., "I need to catch up my emails").
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.