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 Tue Sep 12, 2006 13:08 pm A new face among us |
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This is totally off topic, Art, but I just wanted to say that it’s nice to see your face.
The background of luscious greenery is a good representation of your ‘winter land’ or Emerald Isle!
And thanks for your interesting post, too. |
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Conchita
Moderator
Joined: 26 Dec 2005
Posts: 2702
Location: Madrid, Spain
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| Tue Sep 12, 2006 19:04 pm Catch on |
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Thanks a million!
Now I get it! 
But why can it be used with concepts and not
with terms?
I saw an example this week.
"He didn?t catch on to new concepts easily"
Or is "catch on to" a phrasal verb?
Thanks a lot!
Jes?s |
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Jesus1
I'm here quite often ;-)
Joined: 20 Apr 2006
Posts: 193
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| Tue Sep 12, 2006 21:13 pm Catch on |
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Hi Jesus
| Quote: | | He didn?t catch on to new concepts easily |
That should have been "He didn't grasp new concept easily"
_________________
Art
Native Hiberno English speaker. |
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dOlier
You can meet me at english-test.net
Joined: 29 Aug 2006
Posts: 99
Location: Ireland
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| Tue Sep 12, 2006 21:24 pm Catch on |
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Hi!. How do you feel?
Thanks again!
I looked up the phrasal verb in the dictionary, and
actually means "grasp" but mentally.
In ESL texts you can find that sentence.
"He didn?t catch on to new concepts easily"
Is it wrong then? 
I understood it, anyway!.
Thanks a lot!
Jes?s |
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Jesus1
I'm here quite often ;-)
Joined: 20 Apr 2006
Posts: 193
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| Tue Sep 12, 2006 23:28 pm Catch on |
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| Quote: | | "He didn?t catch on to new concepts easily" |
Hi Jesus,
It is correct to say it means "grasp", but the point is: it is a colloquial expression, like slang. The issue or concept which is to be grasped, "be caught on to", is never stated explicitly, it is only implied.
If it has to be explained then the speaker would use a different expression or construction.
Something like "Can you not grasp the fact that you need to look at this differently" or
"Can you not grasp the fact that we have a problem here"
in other words: "Wise up", "Cop on", or "Catch yourself on"
Colloquial: characteristic of or appropriate to ordinary or familiar conversation rather than formal speech or writing; informal.
_________________
Art
Native Hiberno English speaker. |
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dOlier
You can meet me at english-test.net
Joined: 29 Aug 2006
Posts: 99
Location: Ireland
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| The meaning of 'swimming with sharks' | Briefer: Do you normally use the comparative form from brief |
