grab the headlines

USAGE SUMMARY

"grab the headlines" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that demands attention or becomes newsworthy. For example, "My new book has been gaining a lot of attention lately—it's starting to grab the headlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It can still grab the headlines.

The Economist

They are easy tools for governments to grab the headlines.

The Guardian - Sport

Being efficient is never going to grab the headlines.

The Guardian

Today, fusion and Pan-Asian newcomers grab the headlines.

The New York Times

Let others grab the headlines during the week.

The New York Times - Sports

But let's first describe Messi's goals before letting Mourinho grab the headlines he so often seeks.

The New York Times

But in 2013 smart glasses that are voice- and touch-controlled will grab the headlines.

The Economist

Of course Nicole Kidman's latest Oscars dress will grab the headlines.

The Economist

Give one thing to Eliot Spitzer: he hasn't lost his ability to grab the headlines.

The New Yorker

So Iran can grab the headlines, but Saudi Arabia will follow its own judgment".

The New York Times

What the court did not consider is what saw Mr Shayler grab the headlines.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grab the headlines" when you want to emphasize how something is attracting a lot of media coverage or public attention, often suddenly or dramatically.

Common error

Avoid using "grab the headlines" interchangeably with phrases like "make a difference" or "have an impact". While something that "grabs the headlines" might have an impact, the phrase specifically refers to media attention, not necessarily a positive change or effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grab the headlines" functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of something attracting significant media attention. It is used to indicate that a particular event, person, or topic is becoming a major news story, as supported by examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "grab the headlines" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the act of attracting significant media attention. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a verb phrase, emphasizing the newsworthiness of a subject. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it is considered a neutral expression, though perhaps leaning towards the informal. While synonyms such as "make headlines" or "dominate the news" exist, it's important to use "grab the headlines" specifically when media attention is the key focus. When using this expression, ensure that the content is newsworthy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make headlines

A more direct synonym, simply replacing "grab" with "make".

dominate the news

Emphasizes the idea of being the main focus of news coverage.

become newsworthy

Focuses on the state of being interesting enough to be reported.

attract attention

Focuses on the act of drawing attention, omitting the specific context of news.

gain prominence in the news

Highlights the act of becoming noticeable or important in news reports.

become the focus of media attention

A longer, more formal way of expressing the same idea.

hit the front pages

More specific, refers to being featured prominently in newspapers.

capture public attention

Broader, includes any form of public awareness, not just news.

seize the spotlight

Metaphorical, implies taking a central role in public view.

generate buzz

Implies creating excitement or discussion around a topic.

FAQs

What does it mean to "grab the headlines"?

To "grab the headlines" means to attract significant media attention and become a prominent news story. It implies that something is newsworthy and is being widely reported.

How can I use "grab the headlines" in a sentence?

You can use "grab the headlines" to describe events, actions, or people that are attracting a lot of media attention. For example, "The new policy is expected to "attract attention" and "grab the headlines"."

What are some alternatives to "grab the headlines"?

Some alternatives to "grab the headlines" include "make headlines", "dominate the news", or "become newsworthy". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "grab the headlines" a formal or informal expression?

"Grab the headlines" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both news reporting and informal conversation. However, more formal alternatives like "become the focus of media attention" may be preferred in academic or highly professional contexts.