clutch

USAGE SUMMARY

'clutch' is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used as both a noun and a verb, and it typically means to hold or grab something tightly or to release something suddenly. For example: He clutched the bag tightly so it wouldn't get stolen.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I don't smoke but carried Valentine's Charlotte Olympia cigarette clutch for effect.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Fed by images and messages on social media and discovering that they are far cleverer than the ragged clutch of paper qualifications by which the rest of us will judge them for the rest of their lives, they have grown resentful at why older generations seem happy to tolerate inequality in an affluent land.

The Guardian - Opinion

Jeb Bush will convene next week with a clutch of coalmining barons and reliable Republican party donors who have paid at least $7,500 each to huddle in secret with the presidential hopeful at a golfing and fly-fishing retreat in a hidden-away corner of Virginia.

The Guardian

Abedin, one of two aides and a clutch of secret service personnel travelling with the former secretary of state, said Clinton met a family from Michigan when they stopped at a gas station in Pennsylvania.

The Guardian

"We clutch at straws (and other biomass) in our desperation to believe there is an easy way out".

The Guardian

A clutch goal from Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich at the 15-minute mark of the final term settled his team's nerves.

The Guardian - Sport

" "If they want to clutch at those straws, they're very welcome to," they added.

The Guardian

Camera d'Or goes to Party Girl Party Girl takes the Camera d'Or, a prize given to the best film from a selection from the outskirts of the festival (ie. a clutch of films not in the Competition).

The Guardian - Film

Channel 4 also won a clutch of the categories, including best single documentary for The Paedophile Hunter and best science and natural history for Live From Space: Lap of the Planet.

The Guardian

But the soldiers I always think about in this regard are the clutch I met early in my career: Stephen Anderson, who raised the alarm about discrimination in the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment; Anthony Evans, who suffered in the 1st battalion, the Royal Regiment of Wales; and Geoff McKay, who blew the whistle about abuses in the Queen's Royal Irish Hussars.

The Guardian

All had depended on a clutch of great players emerging then vanishing.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a critical moment, use "clutch" to emphasize the high-pressure nature of the situation. For example, "That was a "clutch" performance by the team's star player".

Common error

Avoid using "clutch" to describe ordinary situations; reserve it for moments of significant importance or high pressure to maintain its impactful connotation.

Linguistic Context

The word "clutch" functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it can denote a grip, a critical situation, or a group. As a verb, it means to seize or hold tightly. This versatility is supported by examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "clutch" is a versatile term that functions as both a noun and a verb, signifying either a firm grip, an important situation, or a group of items. As evidenced by numerous examples in Ludwig, it is frequently used in News & Media, often highlighting critical moments and high-pressure scenarios. Though Ludwig AI confirms the word's grammatical correctness, it's crucial to reserve its usage for situations of significance to retain its impact. Related phrases include "grasp tightly", and "critical situation". In summary, "clutch" is a powerful word when used appropriately to convey urgency and importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grasp tightly

Focuses on the action of gripping something firmly, similar to the physical aspect of "clutch".

grip firmly

Highlights the steadfastness of holding onto something, synonymous with maintaining a "clutch".

seize quickly

Emphasizes the swiftness of taking hold of something, akin to a predatory "clutch".

grab hold of

Indicates the act of taking possession, much like the action implied when one "clutches".

hang onto

Stresses the perseverance of holding onto something, paralleling the tenacity of a "clutch".

a group of

Referring to a collection or assembly of items, similar to the noun form of "clutch" used to describe a collection.

a handful of

Denotes a small quantity or selection, resonating with the notion of a compact "clutch".

critical situation

Emphasizes the urgency and significance of a scenario, aligning with the gravity suggested by a "clutch" situation.

crucial moment

Highlights a critical point or instant, resembling the importance conveyed when a situation is deemed "clutch".

decisive period

Underscores the pivotal nature of a time frame, comparable to the weight implied in a "clutch" phase.

FAQs

How can I use "clutch" in a sentence?

"Clutch" can be used as a verb meaning to grip tightly, as in "She clutched her purse tightly." As a noun, it can refer to a critical moment, like "That was a "clutch" play in the game."

What are some synonyms for "clutch" when referring to a group?

When "clutch" refers to a group of people or things, you can use synonyms such as "group of", "bunch of", or "collection of".

How does the meaning of "clutch" differ when used as a noun versus a verb?

As a noun, "clutch" can refer to a tight grip, a small handbag, or a critical situation. As a verb, it means to grasp or seize tightly. The context determines the specific meaning.

When is it appropriate to describe someone as a "clutch" player?

A "clutch" player is someone who performs exceptionally well under pressure, especially during critical moments in a game or competition. They are reliable and effective when it matters most.