Example sentence with word catch?

Example: He tried to catch the ball before it hit the ground

What is catch? Pronunciation and usage in English

catch means . Learn how to pronounce and use catch through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of catch

catchverb

/katʃ/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "catch" in English! It's a tricky one for many learners. Here's a breakdown of the sounds and how to put it together:

1. The Sounds:

"ka": This part is like the "ca" in "cat." It's a short, crisp sound.
"tch": This is the tricky part. It’s a throaty sound, almost like you're clearing your throat slightly. It’s not quite like the "ch" in "chair." It's a sound made further back in your throat.

2. Putting it Together:

The word "catch" is pronounced "kātch"

Emphasis: The emphasis is on the first syllable: "katch"

3. Tips and Visualizations:

Throat Position: Imagine you’re very slightly trying to clear your throat when you make the "tch" sound.
Short "a": The "a" in "catch" is a short vowel sound – like in "cat" or "hat." Don't say it like the long "a" in "bait."
Don't over-emphasize the "tch": It's a subtle sound.

4. Listen and Compare:

The best way to learn is to hear it! Here are some resources:

Google Search: Search “how to pronounce catch” on Google. You'll find audio examples.
Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/catch/ - This website has pronunciations by native speakers.
YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce catch" on YouTube – you'll find many videos.

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Usage and examples with the word catch in English

Let's break down how to use the word "catch" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with many different meanings and ways to use it. Here's a categorized breakdown:

1. To Capture or Seize:

Physical Capture: This is the most straightforward meaning – to grab or trap something or someone.
- “The police caught the thief.”
- “I caught a fish today!”
- “Don't catch a cold!”
Figurative Capture (Ideas, Inspiration): To grasp or understand something.
- “I caught his meaning immediately.”
- “She caught the spirit of the song.”

2. To Hear or Become Aware of Something:

Auditory Catch: To hear something.
- “I caught him talking on the phone.”
- “Did you catch what he said?”
- “I caught the news on the radio.”
Catching in General (Becoming Aware): To notice something or realize something.
- “I caught a glimpse of a bird in the tree.” (A quick look)
- “I caught a cold last week.” (Became aware of being sick)
- “I caught on to the plan quickly.” (Understood it)

3. To Meet or Encounter:

Meeting someone unexpectedly:
- "I caught her at the grocery store."
- "We caught him by chance."

4. Idiomatic Expressions (Common Phrases):

Catch someone red-handed: To catch someone in the act of doing something wrong.
- “The police caught him red-handed stealing.”
Catch up with someone: To meet someone after they've been away.
- “I want to catch up with my old friends.”
Catch on: To understand something. (Often used as a verb)
- “Do you catch on yet?”
Catch someone off guard: To surprise someone.
- “His sudden announcement caught everyone off guard.”
Catch someone’s eye: To attract someone's attention.
- “Her dress caught everyone’s eye.”
Catch a ride: To get a free lift in a car.
- “Can you catch me a ride to the airport?”

5. As a Verb in Sports/Games:

To intercept a ball: (Especially in basketball or football)
- “The defender caught the pass.”
To catch a bug (in baseball): To catch a fly ball.

6. As a Verb in Time:

To be late: “I caught the bus.” (Meaning I arrived just before it left.)
To miss something: "I caught the train, but it left without me."

Here's a quick summary table:

Meaning	Example
Capture/Seize	"Catch the ball!"
Hear/Become Aware	"I caught his sneeze."
Meet/Encounter	"I caught him downtown."
Idioms	"Catch someone red-handed"
Sports (Intercept)	"The outfielder caught the fly ball."
Time (Late/Miss)	"I caught the last train."

Resources for Further Learning:

Merriam-Webster Dictionary: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catch
Cambridge Dictionary: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/catch
Oxford Learner's Dictionary: https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/dictionary/catch

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Synonyms for the word catch

Idioms of the word catch

be/get caught in the middle

to be involved in an argument or fight between two other people or groups

When they quarrel, I am often caught in the middle.

be caught short

(British English, informal)to suddenly feel a strong need to go to the toilet

to be put at a disadvantage

be (caught) in a cleft stick

to be in a difficult situation when any action you take will have bad results

(caught/stuck) between a rock and a hard place

in a situation where you have to choose between two things, both of which are unpleasant

catch your breath

to stop breathing for a moment because of fear, shock, etc.

When he said he had resigned, I caught my breath in surprise.

British Englishto start to be able to breathe normally again after running or doing exercise that makes you tired

catch a cold

to become ill with a cold

(informal)to have problems

The film caught a cold over the outstanding debt.

catch your death (of cold)

(old-fashioned, informal)to catch a very bad cold

catch somebody’s eye

to attract somebody’s attention

Can you catch the waiter's eye?

catch/take somebody’s fancy

to attract or please somebody

She looked through the hotel advertisements until one of them caught her fancy.

catch it

(informal)to be punished or spoken to angrily about something

If your dad finds out you'll really catch it!

catch somebody napping

to get an advantage over somebody by doing something when they are not expecting it and not ready for it

catch somebody on the hop

(informal)to surprise somebody by doing something when they are not expecting it and not ready for it

catch/touch somebody on the raw

(British English)to upset somebody by reminding them of something they are particularly sensitive about

catch somebody red-handed

to catch somebody in the act of doing something wrong or committing a crime

catch somebody with their pants down

(informal)to arrive or do something when somebody is not expecting it and not ready, especially when they are in an embarrassing situation

the early bird catches the worm

(saying)the person who takes the opportunity to do something before other people will have an advantage over them

(catch/throw somebody) off balance

to make somebody unsteady and in danger of falling

I was thrown off balance by the sudden gust of wind.
The sudden movement threw him off balance.

to make somebody surprised and no longer calm

The senator was clearly caught off balance by the unexpected question.

(put/catch somebody) on the back foot

(to put somebody) at a disadvantage or in difficulty

Advances in drone technology have caught lawmakers on the back foot.
The side that’s on the back foot, struggling to defend, will usually give away more penalties.
We'd like to put the fossil fuel industry on the back foot.