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In NZ I have often seen in print and heard people say “it caught on fire” instead of “it caught fire”. Is this a regional thing or does it occur elsewhere?
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I've heard both in the US
SteglNutt Oct-17-2012
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I have heard both in the UK. But I am aware that caught fire/catch fire is standard English.
bloops Oct-19-2012
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While I've heard both in the US, I think "caught ON fire" is used most colloquially.
BTW, GO KIWIS! (I just LOVE NZ).
BlackEcho Oct-23-2012
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I've only heard the use of an unnecessary 'on' by americans, but like many things others are using it now.
It caught fire seems perfectly adequate. The only thing more jarring is 'gotten'.
user109384 Dec-16-2020
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