grasping

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'grasping' can be used in written English.
It is a verb that means to take or hold something firmly. For example, "He grasped the doorknob tightly and opened the door."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In reality, grasping that your parents are flawed is unlikely to have any long-term adverse effects (and it is a realisation likely to occur repeatedly throughout one's life).

The Guardian - Opinion

"[It] would come tearing out of the man's flesh with its gaping mouth, grasping and with an explosion of teeth … it's pure Bacon".

The Guardian - Film

"It seems as though they are grasping at straws for a reason to not to [uphold shareholders' demands]," she said.

The Guardian

But, far from the limelight, 57 young women who escaped were left grasping to make sense of their new reality.

The Guardian

Grasping a copy of his hastily compiled Gideon bible that had been distributed to his audience of invited hacks, activists and donors, Osborne laid into the opposition's spending commitments.

The Guardian

The other half, just as hard, is grasping what a modern political party should look like.

The Guardian - Opinion

Immediately grasping the situation, he rolls Sparky over and scratches his belly in a way that makes Sparky's leg go nuts.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 9.04am GMT09:04 6th over: England 48-3 (Root 14, Morgan 0) Hazlewood's first delivery goes over cover's grasping hands and away for four, but that was to be his last contribution to England's tally.

The Guardian - Sport

But the main explanation is more prosaic: ministers are grasping around for new ways to boost Britain's hobbling economy.

The Economist

When he campaigned for office last year, he denounced the "arrogant and grasping" super-rich.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I'd listen to his shows, half-grasping the more risqué material and laughing nervously at the stream of Pope jokes.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "grasping" to mean understanding, ensure the context clearly indicates a mental or intellectual process, avoiding ambiguity with its literal meaning of physically holding something.

Common error

Avoid using "grasping" in contexts where the reader might confuse its meaning as "understanding" with the physical act of "grabbing" something. Provide more context for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The word "grasping" functions primarily as a verb, specifically a present participle or gerund, indicating an ongoing action. It also functions as an adjective, describing someone as greedy. Ludwig highlights its versatility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "grasping" is a versatile word that can function as a verb or an adjective. It is commonly used to describe the act of physically holding something, understanding a concept, or, negatively, to characterize someone as greedy. As Ludwig's AI indicates, the word appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news and media, demonstrating its widespread use and acceptance. Remember to ensure clarity in your writing, as the double meaning could lead to misinterpretation. While generally neutral, context can significantly influence its connotation. Use the related phrases provided to explore alternative expressions that may better suit your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Comprehending

Focuses on the mental process of understanding something fully.

Understanding

Emphasizes having a clear perception or knowledge of something.

Seizing

Highlights taking hold of something quickly and firmly, either physically or metaphorically.

Holding

Indicates maintaining possession or control of something.

Apprehending

Stresses the act of becoming aware of or understanding something.

Clutching

Implies holding something tightly, often due to fear or desperation.

Coveting

Emphasizes a strong desire for something belonging to someone else.

Greedy

Directly describes an excessive desire for wealth or possessions.

Eager for wealth

Highlights a strong ambition to acquire riches.

Avid

Emphasizes enthusiasm or desire, often in the context of pursuing something.

FAQs

How can "grasping" be used in a sentence?

"Grasping" can describe physically holding something, as in "He was grasping the railing tightly", or understanding something, as in "She is grasping the concepts quickly".

What does "grasping at straws" mean?

"Grasping at straws" means desperately trying anything to find a solution, even if it's unlikely to work.

Is "grasping" always negative?

No, "grasping" isn't always negative. It can be neutral when describing the physical action of holding something. However, when used to describe a person, it often implies greed or a desperate attempt to achieve something.

What are some synonyms for "grasping" when it means greedy?

Synonyms for "grasping" when it means greedy include "covetous", "avaricious", and "acquisitive".