grabbed it for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grabbed it for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that someone took or obtained something on behalf of someone else or for a specific purpose. Example: "She grabbed it for her friend who couldn't make it to the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

When Novartis recently got rid of a drug that failed to tackle Alzheimer's, for example, this group grabbed it for its potential as an obesity treatment.

The Economist

He grabbed it for safekeeping, and I swam for real.

The New York Times - Magazine

Neal, dutiful son, marched into the house and grabbed it for her.

The New Yorker

When ITV dumped the 10pm slot for news, Greg instantly grabbed it for the BBC.

The Guardian

When they saw the house in Iselin, they grabbed it for the asking price -- $179,000.

The New York Times

The pair enjoyed huge acclaim for their performance of it in New York last year; ENO has grabbed it for a run, semi-staged.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Apartment seekers can grab it for $3.995 million.

The New York Times

"No one's going to grab it for you".

The New York Times

But they waited to grab it for 18 months.

The New York Times

She wants "to grab" it for the Boston publisher Houghton Mifflin, and she succeeds.

The New York Times - Books

"And if I get the next chance, I will grab it for sure".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "grabbed it for", ensure the context clearly indicates why the item was taken or obtained and for whom or what it was intended.

Common error

While "grabbed it for" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "obtained it for" or "acquired it for" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grabbed it for" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action of taking possession of something with a specific purpose in mind. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, which means that in the provided examples there aren't any grammar errors.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Grabbed it for" is a common phrase used to describe the act of quickly acquiring something for a specific purpose or someone's benefit. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While versatile, it leans towards informality and is most frequently found in news and media contexts. For more formal writing, consider alternatives such as "obtained it for" or "acquired it for". Remember to provide clear context about why and for whom the item was grabbed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

got it for

A more casual and direct substitute, common in everyday conversation.

obtained it for

A more formal and neutral alternative, suitable for professional contexts.

secured it for

Implies a sense of effort or competition in acquiring the item.

acquired it on behalf of

Formally indicates acting as an agent or representative.

picked it up for

Suggests a less deliberate action, as if acquiring the item was incidental.

snagged it for

Conveys a sense of luck or opportunism in getting the item.

reserved it for

Implies the item was set aside or kept for a specific person or purpose.

procured it for

A more formal and bureaucratic term for obtaining something.

claimed it for

Suggests asserting ownership or rights over the item.

laid claim to it for

A more assertive alternative that highlights the act of claiming something for a specific purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "grabbed it for" in a sentence?

You can use "grabbed it for" to indicate that someone took or obtained something on behalf of someone else or for a specific purpose. For example, "He "grabbed it for" safekeeping".

What's a less informal way to say "grabbed it for"?

If you need a less informal alternative, consider using phrases like "obtained it for", "secured it for", or "acquired it for".

Is "grabbed it for" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "grabbed it for" is generally more suitable for informal or journalistic contexts. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "procured it for" or "obtained it for".

What does "grabbed it for" imply?

"Grabbed it for" implies a quick or opportunistic action of taking or obtaining something for a particular reason or person. It can sometimes suggest a sense of urgency or competition.