a resource grab

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a resource grab" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or a group is attempting to acquire resources, often in a way that is perceived as aggressive or opportunistic. Example: "The company's latest acquisition was seen as a resource grab, aimed at consolidating their market position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The smiling surveyor quietly sizes up the territory, clearing the path for a resource grab.

The New York Times - Books

First of all, anyone who wishes to understand the conflict in Mali must recognise that this is not a resource grab by the French.

Independent

These green technologies are prompting a resource grab, primarily in lands and with resources in the global south, which ETC Group has exposed in their book, Earth Grab.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Under the banner of austerity, we are witnessing a gigantic resource grab that is widening the gulf between the uber-rich and the ultra-poor.

Huffington Post

Since his release he has been "in the country first nations people call Canada", protesting against new laws that constitute a "land and resource grab" from the native people.

Independent

It is always possible of course to seek comfort in conspiracy theories whenever the West intervenes militarily, muttering under one's breath about "blowback", "resource grab" or "colonialism".

Independent

By allying itself with some of the world's worst dictators for the spoils of today's resource grab, the bill will be paid tomorrow by rebels and opposition officials who will remember who kept their enemies in power.

Huffington Post

Corporate resource grabs in developing countries have led to civil conflict, coups and appalling exploitation.

The New York Times

Brazilian officials insist that the road has nothing to do with betrayals or resource grabs.

The New York Times

But it won't be just you and your canoe, because the resource grabs have already begun.

The New Yorker

For the marginalized, systemic violence is a spiral of widespread rape, legalized and other forms of homophobia, chronic hunger and environmental degradation, often worsened by collusion among local elites and external interests in resource grabs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a resource grab" when you want to convey a sense of aggressive or unfair acquisition of resources. It's particularly effective when highlighting the negative impact on those who previously controlled those resources.

Common error

Avoid using "a resource grab" when a more neutral term like "resource acquisition" would be more appropriate. The phrase carries a negative connotation, so ensure it aligns with the intended tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a resource grab" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject or object within a sentence, describing an action or event related to the acquisition of resources. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a resource grab" is a noun phrase used to describe the aggressive or unfair acquisition of resources. Ludwig AI confirms it's usable in written English, though its negative connotation makes it unsuitable for all contexts. It appears mostly in News & Media, less frequently in scientific publications, and is considered rare overall. Alternatives such as "resource acquisition" or "land grab" may be more appropriate depending on the specific situation and desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resource acquisition

This is a more neutral term, lacking the negative implication of forceful or unfair taking.

exploitation of resources

This alternative emphasizes the unethical usage of resources.

land grab

Focuses specifically on the acquisition of land, often for agricultural or development purposes.

appropriation of resources

This alternative suggests the resources are taken for specific use.

asset seizure

Emphasizes the forceful or legal taking of assets.

usurpation of resources

This alternative underlines the illicit or illegal nature of resources acquisition.

power grab

Shifts the focus from physical resources to influence or control.

corporate raid

Suggests a hostile takeover of a company to gain its assets.

strategic acquisition

Highlights the planned and deliberate nature of the acquisition.

market dominance

Focuses on gaining control over a particular market segment.

FAQs

What does "a resource grab" mean?

The phrase "a resource grab" describes a situation where someone or a group aggressively or unfairly acquires control of resources, often at the expense of others.

What can I say instead of "a resource grab"?

You can use alternatives like "resource acquisition", "land grab" (if referring to land), or "asset seizure" depending on the specific context and the level of negativity you want to convey.

Is "a resource grab" formal or informal?

The phrase "a resource grab" leans towards the informal side but is acceptable in news and media contexts. For formal or academic writing, consider using a more neutral term like "resource acquisition".

How can I use "a resource grab" in a sentence?

You can use "a resource grab" to describe situations where entities are aggressively taking control of resources from other group, as in, "The company's expansion into the region was criticized as "a resource grab", displacing local communities."