"Catch cold" vs "catch a cold"

Question

"Catch cold" vs "catch a cold"

Both 'catch a cold' and 'catch cold' are correct phrases in English. 'Catch a cold' is more commonly used and considered more formal, while 'catch cold' is less common and more informal. The choice between the two depends on the level of formality you want to convey.

Last Updated: March 25, 2024

This phrase is also used to describe the act of becoming infected with a cold virus, but it is more informal and less commonly used. It is suitable for casual conversations.

Examples:

I always seem to catch cold when the weather changes.
He must have caught cold from being outside all day.
Don't forget your coat or you'll catch cold.

Alternatives:

get cold
come down with cold
develop cold
fall ill with cold
contract cold

This phrase is used to describe the act of becoming infected with a cold virus. It is more formal and commonly used in both spoken and written English.

Examples:

I think I'm starting to catch a cold.
Be careful not to catch a cold in this weather.
She always seems to catch a cold in the winter.

Alternatives:

get a cold
come down with a cold
develop a cold
fall ill with a cold
contract a cold

Answer 1

Catch cold

This phrase is correct but less common in English.

Answer 2

catch a cold

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"Catch cold" vs "catch a cold"

Catch cold

catch a cold

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