I grabbed them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I grabbed them" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to taking hold of or seizing multiple items or objects. Example: "When I saw the sale, I quickly grabbed them before they were all gone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

I grabbed them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I grabbed them before she could.

The New Yorker

I grabbed them and missed my opportunity.

The New Yorker

"I grabbed them and touched them together to make sure they weren't live wires," he said.

The New Yorker

They fell down on my thighs almost to my knees and I grabbed them.

Independent

"Some will say I grabbed them too hard and they may be right.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

I grab them and stuff them into lock box before he can change his mind.

The New Yorker

"Once I grab them and get them in here for 15 minutes, I've got them for the whole year and we can do AIDS education, job-training and college preparation".

The New York Times

"I grab them by the arm and say, 'I just want you to know that you are doing a good job, and an important job' " he said, " 'and that what you are feeling and what you are going through will make you a better cop.' A good cop has to be human".

The New York Times

It's because I grab them around the shoulders too hard.

Vice

I ran and I grab them by the mane and I was holding them, and [the cops] were trying to get a rope or something".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I grabbed them" to convey a sense of immediacy or urgency in taking hold of multiple items. This phrase works well in narrative contexts where quick action is important.

Common error

While "I grabbed them" is perfectly acceptable in many situations, avoid using it in highly formal writing where a more measured tone is preferred. Consider alternatives like "I secured them" or "I took possession of them" for a more professional sound.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I grabbed them" functions as a simple declarative statement. It describes a past action where the speaker quickly took hold of multiple items. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I grabbed them" is a grammatically correct and common expression used to describe the act of quickly taking hold of multiple items. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various narrative contexts, particularly where immediacy and action are emphasized. While versatile, it's best to reserve it for scenarios where a quick, decisive action is being described, and to consider more formal alternatives like "I secured them" when the writing demands a more professional tone. Examples from reputable news sources like The New York Times, The Guardian and The New Yorker illustrate its widespread use in conveying immediate actions or reactions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I snatched them

Implies a quicker, more forceful, and possibly less careful action than "grabbed".

I snagged them

Informal, suggesting obtaining something quickly, often unexpectedly or opportunistically.

I seized them

Suggests taking something quickly and decisively, often with a sense of urgency or opportunity.

I took hold of them

A more formal and deliberate way of saying "I grabbed them", implying a firm grasp.

I laid hold of them

An archaic and more emphatic way of saying "I grabbed them", suggesting a firm and determined grasp.

I clutched them

Suggests holding something tightly, often due to fear or desperation.

I picked them up

A more neutral alternative, simply stating that you took them in your hand.

I reached for them

Focuses on the act of extending your hand to take something, rather than the act of taking itself.

I laid my hands on them

Implies finding or obtaining something, not necessarily in a forceful way.

I secured them

Suggests making something safe or certain, which may involve taking it.

FAQs

What does "I grabbed them" mean?

The phrase "I grabbed them" means that the speaker quickly took hold of multiple items. It suggests a rapid or forceful action of taking something into one's possession.

What can I say instead of "I grabbed them"?

You can use alternatives like "I snatched them", "I seized them", or "I took hold of them" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I grab them"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct, but it expresses a habitual action or a general truth. "I grabbed them" indicates a specific action in the past.

What's the difference between "I grabbed them" and "I took them"?

"I grabbed them" implies a quick and sometimes forceful action. "I took them" is a more neutral statement simply indicating that you took possession of something without necessarily implying speed or force.