grabbed me up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grabbed me up" is not standard in written English and may be considered informal or colloquial.
It can be used in casual conversation to describe someone being taken or picked up suddenly, often in a playful or affectionate manner. Example: "When I saw my friend at the party, he grabbed me up and spun me around in excitement."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The security forces "grabbed me up off the street.

The New Yorker

Just after my mother had grabbed me up, as she said, for dear life.

The New Yorker

When she came home, she turned on the light, and she grabbed me up out of the bed and started whipping me.

The New Yorker

Shmurda – real name Ackquille Pollard – told the Times that Epic "grabbed me up at a vulnerable time … I was desperate to get out of the 'hood.

The Guardian - Music

He immediately grabbed me up, held me tight, bloody feet and all, as his hand cradling my head.

Huffington Post

When I went to the opening weekend to see Fifty Shades a gentleman who grabbed me up after the film asked me: "Why are all the kinky people so angry with us?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

He'd grab me up and set me on his lap and talk to me in Michif.

The New Yorker

He grabbed me, picked me up, body slammed me.

Huffington Post

Don Hertzfeldt's Rejected Cartoons was among the first of the so-called "internet videos" that grabbed me, chewed me up inside, and made me face it: I was going to be on the web for the rest of my life.

Vice

Instead he discovered the world of hip-hop, which "grabbed me and shook up my dreams".

The New York Times - Arts

I've been listening again to some of the sets that grabbed me, and catching up on those I missed, like one by Triveni, the trumpeter Avishai Cohen's band, which played pugnaciously, with swagger and drive.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “grabbed me up” when describing a sudden, often surprising or forceful action of someone taking hold of you, either literally or figuratively. Ensure the context supports the level of informality.

Common error

Avoid using "grabbed me up" in academic papers, business reports, or other formal documents. Opt for more professional alternatives like "detained me", "apprehended me", or "picked me up", depending on the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grabbed me up" functions as a phrasal verb, where "grabbed" is the main verb and "up" is a particle that modifies its meaning. It often describes a sudden or forceful action of taking hold of someone or something. The Ludwig examples illustrate its use in personal anecdotes and news reports.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grabbed me up" is a phrasal verb used to describe the act of suddenly taking or seizing someone, often with force or surprise. While the phrase is grammatically acceptable, Ludwig analysis shows it leans towards informal contexts, particularly in news and media. It's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "picked me up" or "detained me" in professional or academic settings. Ludwig AI highlights its informal nature, suggesting caution in formal writing. Therefore, consider your audience and context when using "grabbed me up".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

picked me up

Implies a gentler action of lifting someone, often from the ground or a seated position, without necessarily implying force or surprise.

scooped me up

Implies lifting someone quickly and easily, often in a gesture of affection or protection.

snatched me up

Suggests a quicker and more abrupt action, emphasizing speed and surprise.

nabbed me

Informal term for catching or seizing someone, often in a criminal context.

hauled me up

Suggests pulling someone up with effort, often from a lower position.

seized me

Indicates a forceful and often legal or official taking of someone.

collared me

Implies being caught or stopped, often by law enforcement.

captured me

Implies being taken against one's will, often in a conflict or pursuit.

swept me up

Indicates being overwhelmed or carried away by a situation or emotion.

apprehended me

Suggests a formal arrest or detention by authorities.

FAQs

What does "grabbed me up" mean?

The phrase "grabbed me up" means to suddenly take or seize someone, often implying a forceful or surprising action. It is generally considered informal.

Is it correct to say "grabbed me up" in formal writing?

No, "grabbed me up" is generally considered too informal for formal writing. More appropriate alternatives include "picked me up" or "detained me" depending on the context.

What are some alternatives to "grabbed me up"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "picked me up", "snatched me up", or "seized me".

How can I use "grabbed me up" in a sentence?

You can use "grabbed me up" to describe a sudden or forceful action of taking hold of someone. For example, "The security forces grabbed me up off the street."