grab the hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grab the hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is physically taking hold of another person's hand, often to guide or assist them. Example: "As we crossed the busy street, I had to grab the hand of my child to keep them safe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Scary movie, grab the hand of your date.

The New York Times

As the caller, Mr. Crane let dancers know whether to allemande left or right or grab the hand of a partner, neighbor or corner.

The New York Times

Above all, will the President, emboldened by his dexterity with the Prime Minister, attempt to grab the hand of Her Majesty?

The New Yorker

BOSTON — If you grab the hand of a two-armed robot named Baxter, it will turn its head and a pair of cartoon eyes — displayed on a tablet-size computer-screen "face" — will peer at you with interest.

The New York Times - Science

"You have to be real and commit and play it and introduce it and grab the hand of the listener and walk them up to the song," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

The powerful final image has a blinded French soldier reaching out to grab the hand of the German lying next to him without realizing that he has sought comfort from a corpse.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Another was about a trapeze flier named Joe Schmo who crashed because he wouldn't grab the hands of partners labeled "wrong race" and "wrong religion".

The New York Times

Grab the hands of the people you're with and brave the crowd.

HuffPost

It's time to grab the hands of those around you who are fighting on the right side of history.

Huffington Post

The Mayor leaned out of the car window and grabbed the hand of a policeman.

The New Yorker

Crying furiously, Carl Aguirre grabbed the hand that reached out to soothe him and shoved it away.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grab the hand" to describe a physical action of taking someone's hand, especially when speed or urgency is implied. Ensure the context makes it clear whose hand is being grabbed.

Common error

Ensure that the context clearly indicates whose hand is being grabbed. Vague references can lead to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grab the hand" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "grab" acts as the main verb indicating the action, and "the hand" serves as the direct object. Ludwig AI indicates it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grab the hand" is a verb phrase that describes the action of quickly taking hold of someone's hand, often to provide support, guidance, or a sense of urgency. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not exceptionally common, the phrase appears in varied contexts, including news and media. Consider alternative phrases such as "take the hand" or "hold the hand" depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take someone's hand

Replaces "grab" with "take", suggesting a more gentle or standard action of hand-holding.

grasp someone's hand

Similar to "grab", but may imply a firmer or more deliberate hold.

hold someone's hand

Emphasizes the act of maintaining contact rather than the initial grasping.

grip someone's hand

Focuses on the firmness and strength of the hold.

seize someone's hand

Replaces "grab" with "seize", implying a more forceful or urgent action.

take hold of someone's hand

A more formal way of saying "grab the hand", indicating the start of physical contact.

clutch someone's hand

Suggests a tight and possibly anxious or desperate grip.

catch someone's hand

Suggests preventing a fall or providing immediate assistance.

snatch someone's hand

Implies a sudden and quick grabbing action.

reach for someone's hand

Focuses on the act of extending one's hand to grasp another.

FAQs

What does "grab the hand" mean?

The phrase "grab the hand" typically means to quickly take hold of someone's hand, often for guidance, assistance, or comfort.

When is it appropriate to use "grab the hand"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the action of quickly or firmly taking someone's hand, especially in situations requiring immediate action or support.

What are some alternatives to "grab the hand"?

You can use alternatives like "take someone's hand", "hold someone's hand", or "grasp someone's hand depending on the specific nuance you want to convey".

Is there a difference between "grab the hand" and "take the hand"?

"Grab the hand" suggests a quicker, more forceful action, while "take the hand" implies a more deliberate or gentle action.