catch
Base form
catch
/kætʃ/
Past simple
caught
/kɔːt/
Past participle
caught
/kɔːt/
MeaningA2
to take hold of something that is moving
to catch fire
In use
- After a modal verb · Form 1We must leave now if we want to catch the last bus.
- Imperative · Form 1Catch the ball with both hands, not with one.
- Past simple · Form 2Ben caught a terrible cold on holiday last week.
- Past simple · Form 2Yesterday the police caught the man who stole Maria’s bike.
- Present perfect · Form 3Have you ever caught a fish in this river?
- Passive · Form 3The thief was caught on camera leaving the shop.
Watch out
Caught is spelt -augh- like taught, not -ough- like bought: cought. In British English it sounds like court.
Same pattern
-ought / -aughtForms two and three end in -ought or -aught
Irregular VerbsLearn all three forms for good
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