catch hold of

USAGE SUMMARY

"catch hold of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It generally means to seize or take possession of something. For example, "He caught hold of the railing to help himself up the stairs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Nothing to catch hold of, nor even surrender to.

The Guardian

And if they catch hold of it, that would be it.

Stanford University

He put his hand out as if to catch hold of her shoulder, then dropped it.

The New Yorker

Telemachus told them to catch hold of the ropes, and they made all haste to do so.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"The operation would be successful if I could catch hold of one branch at a time," Shrivastava told me.

The New Yorker

Ferguson, reappointed in his place at Peterborough on Tuesday, has managed to catch hold of a career-reviving updraft.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

She caught hold of the handle and lifted.

The New Yorker

Chase caught hold of her, pulled her close.

The New Yorker

She caught hold of his shirt, and it ripped in her hand.

The New Yorker

"I caught hold of him going to the second last, he pinged it and then he quickened really, really well".

Independent

I waded into the water and caught hold of the bow of the boat, towing it ashore.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "catch hold of" when you want to emphasize the action of seizing or grasping something, whether physically or metaphorically. For example, "He managed to catch hold of the rope just in time."

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "catch hold of" with similar phrases that imply understanding or control rather than physical grasping. For example, "get a grip on the situation" means understanding, not physical seizure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "catch hold of" functions as a phrasal verb, typically used to describe the action of physically grabbing or seizing something. This aligns with Ludwig's AI response, indicating it's a correct and usable English phrase. Many examples in Ludwig show it used in this way.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

23%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "catch hold of" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to describe the action of grasping or seizing something, whether physically or metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. The phrase is versatile, appearing in various contexts from news articles to academic papers, but is most prevalent in news and media. While the register is typically neutral, it's important to use it appropriately, considering similar phrases that might imply understanding or control rather than physical action. Remember also to consider if a more direct synonym like "grab" or "seize" could improve clarity or conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take hold of

This phrase is a more formal alternative to "catch hold of", suggesting a deliberate act of seizing.

grip

Focuses on maintaining a firm and steady hold, implying control and stability.

grab

Implies a quick and sometimes rough action of taking hold, often used in urgent situations.

seize

This alternative denotes a sudden and forceful grasping, emphasizing the act of taking possession quickly.

lay hold of

A slightly archaic alternative, suggesting the act of finding and taking possession of something.

clutch

Suggests a tight, often desperate, grasp, indicating a need for security or control.

grasp

Emphasizes the act of understanding or comprehending, in addition to physically taking hold.

snatch

Highlights the swift and forceful nature of taking something, typically to prevent someone else from getting it.

capture

Emphasizes the act of gaining control or possession, often used in strategic or competitive contexts.

get a grip on

Implies gaining control or understanding of a situation or oneself, not necessarily physical.

FAQs

What does "catch hold of" mean?

The phrase "catch hold of" means to seize or grasp something, either physically or metaphorically. It implies taking possession or control.

What can I say instead of "catch hold of"?

You can use alternatives like "grab", "seize", or "take hold of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "caught hold of"?

Yes, "caught hold of" is the past tense of "catch hold of" and is grammatically correct. For example, "He caught hold of the railing."

What is the difference between "catch hold of" and "get hold of"?

"Catch hold of" usually implies a physical action of grasping something. "Get hold of", like "contact", can imply either physical contact or communication, such as getting in touch with someone.