To reach the same standard, level, or progress as someone or something after falling behind.
After missing a week of classes, I had to study hard to catch up with the rest of the group.
A: Are you ready for the test? B: Not really, I need to catch up with all the homework I missed.
During the semester, I struggled at first, but I managed to catch up with my classmates by studying every evening.
Common mistake
✗I need to catch up the others.
✓I need to catch up with the others.
'Catch up WITH' someone to reach their level (or 'catch up ON' missed work).
Tell it apart
I missed a week, so I'm catching up with the class.
reaching the same level
Let's catch up over coffee.
chat and share news
Use 'catch up with' when you want to say you are reaching the same level as someone else.Not the same as 'keep up,' which means to stay at the same level, not reach it after being behind.
To talk to someone you haven't seen for a while and share recent news or updates about your lives.
Let's grab coffee this weekend and catch up—it's been ages since we talked.
A: How was your trip? B: Amazing! We should catch up soon so I can tell you all about it.
When I visit my hometown, I always catch up with old friends to hear about what's new in their lives.
Common mistake
✗Let's catch up the news.
✓Let's catch up. / Let's catch up on the news.
'Catch up' (with a person) or 'catch up ON' news/work — not 'catch up the news'.
Tell it apart
Let's catch up over coffee.
chat and share news
I need to catch up with the rest of the class.
reach the same level
Use 'catch up' when you want to talk and share what's new, not just to meet.Different from 'meet up,' which means to get together but not necessarily to talk about recent events.