grab the remote

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grab the remote" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to take or retrieve a television remote control. Example: "Could you please grab the remote from the coffee table so we can change the channel?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The promos for ABC's new show "Sons and Daughters" were so offensive that I couldn't grab the remote fast enough.

The New York Times

But, unless you are an aficionado of political spin, you may prefer to grab the remote and start browsing for "Frasier" reruns.

The New Yorker

Incoming calls to the cam will ring out even when the television is turned off — you'll need to grab the remote and turn on the TV.

The New York Times - Tech

"All season long, we'll air these series with less commercials, less promotional time, and above all, less reason to grab the remote and change the channel".

The New York Times

When Fox pitched the strategy to advertisers last May, Peter Liguori, the Fox entertainment chairman, said that fewer commercials would present fewer reasons for viewers to "to grab the remote and change the channel".

The New York Times

But few households have done so, because the distributors and programme-makers have been adept at making it hard for them to get popular new shows quickly without being signed up for pay-TV.Even so, new competitors are trying to grab the remote control.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"I grabbed the remote and turned it off.

The New Yorker

I grabbed the remote again and flicked around.

The Telegraph

Pat sat bolt upright, grabbed the remote and scrolled back through the game to determine the precise moment James entered.

The New York Times - Magazine

"As an American, you grow very accustomed to sitting on the sofa and grabbing the remote and just flipping through channels," he said.

The New York Times

Setting up a cable-free life is still too daunting for most people, since most of the work-arounds involve a lot more than just grabbing the remote (assuming you can find it under the sofa cushions).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grab the remote" when you want to convey a sense of immediacy or slight urgency in changing the television channel or controlling the device.

Common error

While "grab the remote" is a common phrase, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "use the remote" or "take control of the remote" in professional contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grab the remote" functions as an imperative, urging someone to take the remote control. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "grab the remote" is grammatically sound and functions as an imperative to take the television remote. With a neutral tone, it's commonly found in News & Media. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, suggesting that while generally acceptable, formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "use the remote control". The frequent usage across authoritative sources ensures its familiarity and understandability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

snatch the remote

Implies a quicker, more forceful action of taking the remote.

get the remote

A more general term for obtaining the remote.

take the remote

Similar to "get the remote", but emphasizes possession.

hijack the remote

Suggests taking control of the remote from someone else, often unexpectedly.

capture the remote

Similar to "hijack", implying taking control, but can also suggest a playful struggle.

commandeer the remote

A more formal way of saying taking control of the remote.

seize the remote

Similar to "snatch", with a sense of urgency or assertiveness.

control the remote

Focuses on the act of managing the television, not necessarily the physical act of grabbing.

operate the remote

Focuses on the act of using the remote.

secure the remote

Implies ensuring one has possession of the remote, possibly in a competitive situation.

FAQs

What does "grab the remote" mean?

The phrase "grab the remote" means to quickly take or retrieve the television remote control, often with the intention of changing the channel or controlling the TV.

What can I say instead of "grab the remote"?

You can use alternatives like "get the remote", "take the remote", or "snatch the remote depending" on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "grab the remote" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "grab the remote" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's better to use phrases like "use the remote control" or "take control of the television".

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

You can use "grab the remote" in a sentence like, "I couldn't stand the show, so I decided to grab the remote and change the channel."