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Past Tense of Catch

The past tense of "catch" is "caught."

Understanding the Past Tense of "Catch"

The past tense of "catch" is "caught." Pronounced /kɔːt/, it replaces "catch" in past scenarios. For instance, "I catch the ball" becomes "I caught the ball."

This irregular verb doesn't follow the standard -ed ending rule, which can be confusing for learners.

Examples of "Caught" in Sentences

To help you grasp its usage, here are some examples:

  1. She caught the bus on time.
  2. He caught a cold last week.
  3. They caught the thief red-handed.
  4. We caught the last train home.
  5. The dog caught the frisbee in mid-air.
  6. I caught him sneaking out of the house.
  7. She caught the bouquet at the wedding.
  8. He caught sight of the rare bird in the forest.
  9. They caught the attention of the audience with their performance.
  10. We caught a glimpse of the celebrity at the event.

In each sentence, "caught" signifies a completed action in the past.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Learners often confuse "catch" with "caught" or use incorrect forms like "catched." Here are some common mistakes and tips to avoid them:

  1. Incorrect: She catched the ball. Correct: She caught the ball.
  2. Incorrect: He catch the thief. Correct: He caught the thief.
  3. Incorrect: They catches the bus yesterday. Correct: They caught the bus yesterday.
  4. Incorrect: We catch the last train home. Correct: We caught the last train home.

To remember, associate "caught" with common past actions. Practice using the word in different contexts to solidify your understanding.

Practice Exercises to Master "Caught"

Practice using "caught" with these exercises:

  1. I ______ the ball during the game. (catch)
  2. They ______ a glimpse of the celebrity. (catch)
  3. She ______ the flu last winter. (catch)
  4. We ______ up with old friends at the reunion. (catch)
  5. He ______ the bus to work yesterday. (catch)
  6. The police ______ the suspect after a long chase. (catch)
  7. She ______ the error in the report before it was sent. (catch)
  8. He ______ his breath after running up the stairs. (catch)
  9. We ______ the news on the radio this morning. (catch)
  10. They ______ the vibe of the event perfectly in their photographs. (catch)

Answer Key:

  1. caught
  2. caught
  3. caught
  4. caught
  5. caught
  6. caught
  7. caught
  8. caught
  9. caught
  10. caught

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