Collocation · A2 · Neutral · Health and body
catch a cold
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Meaning
To become ill with a cold.
Examples
- Wear a coat, or you will catch a cold.
- Half of my class caught a cold last week.
- I always catch a cold in winter.
How to use it
Catch describes the moment you become ill. Use have for the state: “I have a cold.” You can also say get a cold. The same verb works with the flu.
Common mistake
Not: I took a cold.
Say: I caught a cold. (The verb is catch. Its past form is caught.)
Last updated 18 October 2026