grab a cab

USAGE SUMMARY

"grab a cab" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to catching a taxi. For example: "I'm running late so I'm going to grab a cab to get to the meeting on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Grab a cab.

The New York Times

Mr. Manhasset can grab a cab out front when you're done, and make the 10 18.

The New York Times

People walk, take the subway, grab a cab, and walk some more.

MIT Technology Review

As an adult it's made me grab a cab whenever I can.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You have to grab a cab to his new premises but it is worth the trip.

The Guardian - Travel

10 A.M. Grab a cab at the train station and head to Philipsburg Manor, 381 North Broadway in Sleepy Hollow, [phone], a national historic landmark.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

"He grabbed a cab," his wife said.

The New York Times

"I'd rather spend it on better restaurants, grabbing a cab whenever I like or theater tickets".

The New York Times

Then she made a dash for the wedding, grabbing a cab and arriving at Grand Central Terminal just in time to see her train pull away.

The New York Times

Grabbing a cab with minimal hassle and then gliding through the city on a whim is what you might call the Optimal Taxi Experience, the O.T.E.

The New York Times

Due to the stress, I decided not to use the subway, but instead grabbed a cab, hoping my scant funds would get us home.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grab a cab" in informal contexts where quick and convenient transportation is needed. It implies a sense of urgency or spontaneity.

Common error

Avoid using "grab a cab" in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "take a taxi" or "arrange transportation" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grab a cab" functions as a verb phrase, specifically an imperative, suggesting an action to be taken. Ludwig AI indicates its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grab a cab" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that suggests quickly finding and taking a taxi. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's best suited for informal contexts where convenience and speed are emphasized. While perfectly acceptable, alternatives like "hail a cab" or "take a taxi" might be more appropriate in formal settings. Remember to use the phrase when you want to convey the idea of swiftly securing transportation, but consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hail a cab

Emphasizes the act of signaling or summoning a taxi.

catch a taxi

Similar meaning, slightly more formal.

get a taxi

General term for acquiring a taxi.

take a cab

Focuses on using a taxi for transportation.

find a ride

Broader term; could refer to any mode of transport.

summon a taxi

More formal than "grab a cab".

order a taxi

Implies using a service to request a taxi.

call a cab

Refers to requesting a cab via phone or app.

flag down a cab

Highlights the action of stopping a taxi on the street.

secure transportation

Very formal way of arranging conveyance.

FAQs

What does "grab a cab" mean?

The phrase "grab a cab" means to quickly find and take a taxi for transportation. It suggests a sense of immediacy and convenience.

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

You can use alternatives like "hail a cab", "catch a taxi", or "get a taxi" depending on the context.

Is "grab a cab" grammatically correct?

Yes, "grab a cab" is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and written English, especially in informal contexts.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "grab a cab"?

It's appropriate in informal settings or when emphasizing the speed and ease of taking a taxi. In more formal situations, using "take a taxi" or "arrange transportation" might be preferable.