grab hold of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grab hold of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone grabbing and holding something firmly. For example, "The boy grabbed hold of the railing to steady himself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I had to grab hold of something.

The New York Times

And grab hold of that sill.

The Guardian

We need to grab hold of the future now.

The New York Times

Now, says his father, now grab hold of the fold.

The Guardian

"The time is now to grab hold of these issues.

The Guardian

Aren't we worried that there's nothing to grab hold of?

The Guardian - Opinion

A teacher had to grab hold of me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He's not going to grab hold of you," he says.

The Guardian - Tech

"They want to grab hold of their youth".

The New York Times - Travel

Mr. Kane was able to grab hold of a wall.

The New York Times

Grab hold of this pitchfork, we're headed for Radio 2!".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "grab hold of" in a figurative sense, ensure the context clearly indicates the non-physical object being grasped, such as an opportunity or idea.

Common error

Avoid using "grab hold of" when a more nuanced verb like "understand", "embrace", or "seize" would better convey the intended meaning in abstract or conceptual scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grab hold of" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating the action of grasping or seizing something, either literally or figuratively. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in both physical and abstract contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

19%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grab hold of" is a versatile phrasal verb that signifies the act of seizing or grasping something, both physically and metaphorically. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the context aligns with its intended meaning of securing or taking advantage of something. Be mindful of its slightly informal tone and choose more precise verbs in highly formal settings. By understanding its nuances and typical usage, you can effectively incorporate "grab hold of" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

catch hold of

Focuses on the act of catching something that is moving or being thrown.

take hold of

Emphasizes the action of assuming control or possession of something.

seize hold of

Implies a forceful or opportunistic act of grasping something.

grasp hold of

Highlights the firmness and determination of the grip.

get hold of

Suggests obtaining something, either physically or metaphorically.

snatch hold of

Conveys a sudden and quick grab, often implying urgency.

cling to

Indicates holding on tightly, often out of fear or desperation.

lay hold of

A more formal or archaic way of saying "grab hold of", emphasizing the act of obtaining.

latch onto

Suggests attaching oneself to something, either physically or ideologically.

clutch at

Implies a desperate attempt to grab something that is slipping away.

FAQs

How can I use "grab hold of" in a sentence?

You can use "grab hold of" to describe physically grasping something, as in "He had to "grab hold of" the railing to avoid falling". It can also be used metaphorically, such as to indicate seizing an opportunity.

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

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

When is it appropriate to use "grab hold of" metaphorically?

It is appropriate to use "grab hold of" metaphorically when you want to emphasize the act of seizing or taking advantage of an opportunity, idea, or concept. For instance, "We need to "grab hold of" the future now".

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

"Grab hold of" typically implies a physical action of firmly grasping something. "Get hold of", on the other hand, can refer to either physically obtaining something or contacting someone.