catch up with

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The phrase "catch up with" is a phrasal verb in English that has a few different meanings. Let’s break it down in a simple way.

Basic Definition

1. To make up for lost time or missed work: This means to complete tasks or learn things that you missed because you were absent or busy.

   • Example: "I was sick last week, so I need to catch up with my homework."

2. To reach someone or something that is ahead of you: This means to go faster so that you are at the same place as someone or something that was in front of you.

   • Example: "I ran faster to catch up with my friends who were ahead of me."

Usage Instructions

• You can use "catch up with" when talking about making up missed work or reaching someone who is ahead of you.
• It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Advanced Usage

• In more advanced contexts, "catching up with" can involve not just physical movement but also emotional or social reconnection, like when you haven't seen a friend for a long time.
  • Example: "I need to catch up with my old friends; we haven't talked in ages."

Word Variants

• Catching up (noun form): The act of catching up.
  • Example: "We had a nice catching-up session over coffee."
• Caught up (past tense): Indicates that you have already caught up.
  • Example: "I finally caught up with all my readings."

Different Meanings

• Besides the meanings mentioned, "catch up with" can also imply facing the consequences of one’s actions later on.
  • Example: "If you don’t study, your lack of preparation will catch up with you during the exam."

Synonyms

• Make up for: When you compensate for something that was missed.
• Reconcile: To reconnect with someone after a long time.
• Overtake: To go faster and pass someone or something.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• Catch up: Can be used on its own as a more general term for the act of making up for lost time.
  • Example: "Let’s catch up sometime this weekend!"

Summary

So remember, "catch up with" can refer to both making up for missed work and physically reaching someone who is ahead.

Academic

Verb

1. make up work that was missed due to absence at a later point
   • I have to make up a French exam
   • Can I catch up with the material or is it too late?
2. catch up with and possibly overtake
   • The Rolls Royce caught us near the exit ramp

Synonyms

• make up
• overtake
• catch