grab back

USAGE SUMMARY

'grab back' can be used in written English.
It usually means to take back something that has been taken away from you or someone else. For example, "The homeless man tried to grab back the food he dropped on the ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Play our game and try to grab back the momentum".

The New York Times

Kerr wanted his team to grab back some momentum from Kevin Durant and the Thunder.

The Guardian - Sport

In other words, she could grab back soft Tory voters and Labour defectors to Ukip.

The Guardian

Will Manchester United be able to grab back the top-flight title from their upstart neighbours?

The Guardian - Sport

With this sacking, the president is trying to grab back the policy joystick on Afghanistan.

The Guardian - Opinion

As nations try to grab back power online, a clash is brewing between governments and companies.

The New York Times - Tech

And that's a desperate reach to grab back those who've left coffee for the far healthier tea.

Harvard University

This would seem to be a nakedly political attempt to grab back assets by individuals in Cambodia".

Independent

He's below the hole, too, with a 12, maybe 15-foot chance to grab back a shot.

The Guardian - Sport

Robert Loggia is Feech la Manna, a former boss who cannot wait to grab back his old turf.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Fulham hold on to move seven points clear of the drop zone - a significant night in their season as they grab back-to-back wins.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grab back" to emphasize the effort or struggle involved in regaining something, especially when it was taken by force or unfair means.

Common error

Avoid using "grab back" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or sophisticated vocabulary might be appropriate. Consider alternatives like "reclaim" or "recover" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "grab back" functions primarily as a dynamic verb, describing an action of retrieving or regaining something. Ludwig provides numerous examples where the phrase signifies an effort to recover something lost or taken away.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "grab back" signifies the act of regaining something, typically with effort or against opposition. Ludwig AI analysis, based on numerous real-world examples, indicates it's grammatically correct and very common, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally acceptable, it might be less suitable for highly formal or academic writing where alternatives like "reclaim" or "recover" may be more appropriate. The related phrases offer varied nuances of regaining or retrieving, and considering register will refine usage, depending on the degree of desired formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take back

A general term for retrieving something previously given or lost.

regain

Highlights the act of getting something back, often in a gradual manner.

reclaim

Focuses on asserting a right or claim to regain something.

recover

Highlights the process of returning to a normal condition or regaining something lost.

get back

A more informal way to express the act of recovering something.

recapture

Emphasizes the act of capturing something again, often after it has been lost.

snatch back

Suggests a quick or forceful action of regaining something.

retrieve

Implies a formal or deliberate effort to get something back.

win back

Focuses on regaining something through effort or competition.

repossess

Implies taking back something due to a legal right or agreement.

FAQs

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

You can use "grab back" to describe regaining something that was lost or taken, such as "The team fought hard to grab back the lead in the final quarter."

What are some alternatives to "grab back"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "reclaim", "recover", or "take back".

Is "grab back" appropriate for formal writing?

While "grab back" is widely understood, it may be more suitable for informal or journalistic contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "retrieve" or "reacquire".

What's the difference between "grab back" and "get back"?

"Grab back" often implies a more forceful or determined effort to regain something, while "get back" is a more general term for recovering something.