grasping for a word

USAGE SUMMARY

"grasping for a word" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this when you are trying to find the right word to express something. For example, "She was grasping for a word to describe the feeling of surprise she felt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This is like a fucking" — O'Sullivan hesitated, grasping for a word of sufficient violence — "an eccentric sport".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

We might be aware of grasping for a particular forgotten word, but we don't actively think about linguistic concepts like morphemes (the building blocks of words, like the past tense morpheme "-ed").

The Guardian

Mel, the book's narrator, is lying in a local hospital that lacks a psychiatric staff, scrambling to write notes on a legal pad that will make sense of his situation and the trajectory of his life, grasping for words because words are all he has left and because the act of writing helps him avoid the shame of his inactivity.

The New York Times

This is as close as you can come to thinking along with Shakespeare, weighing one word against the other, grasping for a rhyme or phrase in a way that suggests Shakespeare's own way of composing.

The New Yorker

It's like grasping for a higher, better reality".

The New York Times

"We have always been, been --" Ms. Shaffer said, grasping for the word.

The New York Times

Grasping for words at a press conference, he said it would look like a "… a shard … a shard of crystal".

The Guardian - Arts

The LBC presenter, who once famously had the usually unflappable Nigel Farage grasping for words, stunned a caller who rang to criticise Mr Corbyn for not singing the anthem at a service to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

Independent

One of the common issues people have with speaking, is they end up grasping for words, leaving an awkward pause in their speech, and then they seem unprepared.

WikiHow

"The '07s are a bit... neutral," Mr. Moueix said, grasping for the right word.

The New York Times - Food

But then, you know, pregnancy, labour, birth, babies, will always throw us because...".. She pauses, grasping for the words.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grasping for a word" to vividly describe a moment of verbal hesitation, particularly when someone is struggling to find the most accurate or impactful term.

Common error

While "grasping for a word" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grasping for a word" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used to illustrate a speaker's momentary difficulty in finding the precise term to articulate an idea or feeling. Ludwig confirms the phrase's usability, showcasing its role in depicting nuanced verbal hesitations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grasping for a word" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes someone struggling to find the right word to express themselves. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its usage is most common in news, media, academic, and wiki contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it should be used judiciously in formal writing. Related phrases include "searching for the right word" and "fumbling for words". Use it to add color and nuance to descriptions of verbal communication, and avoid overuse in highly formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

searching for the right word

Focuses on the active search process, implying a deliberate attempt to find the perfect term.

searching for the appropriate term

Similar to "searching for the right word", but emphasizes formality and precision.

struggling to articulate

Highlights the difficulty in expressing oneself clearly, not necessarily tied to a single word.

fumbling for words

Suggests a clumsy or awkward attempt to express oneself.

groping for the correct expression

Implies a hesitant and uncertain search for the right phrase.

hesitating to speak

Emphasizes the pause and uncertainty before speaking, often due to difficulty in finding appropriate wording.

straining to recall the word

Focuses on the effort to remember a specific word that is known but temporarily inaccessible.

casting about for a phrase

Suggests a broad, exploratory search for a suitable expression.

at a loss for words

Indicates a temporary inability to speak due to surprise, shock, or other strong emotions.

unable to find the words

Highlights the lack of available vocabulary to express a thought or feeling.

FAQs

How can I use "grasping for a word" in a sentence?

You can use "grasping for a word" to describe someone struggling to find the right expression, such as, "During the interview, he was "grasping for a word" to accurately convey his experience."

What are some alternatives to "grasping for a word"?

Alternatives include "searching for the right word", "struggling to articulate", or "fumbling for words", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "grasping for a word" formal or informal?

"Grasping for a word" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both informal and semi-formal contexts. However, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing.

What does it mean when someone is "grasping for a word"?

It means they are pausing and struggling to find the most appropriate or accurate word to express their thoughts or feelings at that moment.