catch a train — use public transport
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcore
to get on a train in time for it to take you somewhere, usually by arriving before it leaves.
Say it like a native
Textbook I must board the locomotive prior to its departure.
Native I need to catch the 9 o'clock train.
'Board the locomotive' is wrong register; 'catch the train' is everyday.
Pattern: catch + a/the train
In use
- I have to leave now if I want to catch the 8 o’clock train.daily life
- If I finish work early, I can catch a train home and spend more time with my family.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ I missed to catch the train.
✓ I missed the train. / I failed to catch the train.
It's 'miss the train', not 'miss to catch'.
Common collocations
catch + train— the train, the 9:15, the last train, the express
Don't confuse it
Compare with 'take a train', which is more general and doesn't focus on timing.