latch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "latch" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
It can be used when referring to a device for fastening a door or gate, or metaphorically to indicate grasping or holding onto something. Example: "Make sure to latch the door securely before leaving the house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Updated at 9.12pm BST Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 9.10pm BST21:10 8 min: Islam Slimani sprints into the Germany half to latch on to a long punt out of defence after a Shkodran Mustafi cross had been intercepted.

The Guardian - Sport

He was shackled to an eyebolt – a latch to secure prisoners' cuffs or chains, like those found in many police precinct houses, but lower to the ground – and left alone for hours with music blasting.

The Guardian

This is not by accident and for those who could endure the style, or even enjoy it, there were powerful hooks and melodies to latch on to and emulate awkwardly while waiting for the bus (try singing the tune to Send It Up without looking like a weasel drinking vinegar).

The Guardian - Music

When a droplet of blood from a patient is mixed with the modified viruses, any antibodies they have latch on to human virus proteins they recognise as invaders.

The Guardian

First, Slimani attempts to latch on to yet another long ball in over the Germany defence, only to be foiled once again by Neuer rushing out of his penalty area.

The Guardian - Sport

He wasn't a plumber and his name wasn't Joe – but he became famous for 15 minutes during the 2008 presidential elections after John McCain decided to latch on to him during the Republican campaign's death-spiral.

The Guardian

She talked of how, as a teenager, she would latch herself on to families; in her early pictures, many seemingly happy families are viewed sideways or from behind.

The Guardian - Arts

One is to latch on to some aspect of the national culture that sounds nice: Havaianas, a Brazilian flip-flops maker, taps into the local beach life.

The Economist

One way this is being tried is to get genetically engineered viruses to latch onto carbon nanotubes which glow under light from a laser.

The Economist

These are retrieved from the solvent and consolidated into their final shape, such as a screw.An additional advantage of nanocrystals is that they are small enough for the cells that live inside bones to latch on to.

The Economist

"Sticky" tabs on the gates allow passing signals to latch on.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "latch" in technical contexts, be specific about the type of latch mechanism involved (e.g., spring latch, magnetic latch) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "latch on to" too frequently in casual writing, as it can sound cliché. Opt for more natural alternatives like "grasp", "understand", or "adopt" depending on the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "latch" includes acting as a noun, denoting a fastening device, and as a verb, signifying the act of fastening or seizing. Ludwig AI indicates that "latch" is commonly used in various contexts, from literal to figurative.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "latch" functions both as a noun and a verb, commonly used to describe fastening mechanisms or the act of grasping something, as supported by Ludwig. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently encountered across diverse sources, including news media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While versatile, overuse of phrases like "latch on to" should be avoided in informal writing. When using "latch" in technical contexts, precision is crucial to prevent ambiguity. The semantic diversity of "latch" is reflected in alternatives like "secure", "fasten", and "grip", allowing for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secure

Focuses on the act of making something safe and firmly fixed.

fasten

Emphasizes joining or connecting two things together.

grip

Highlights the action of holding something tightly.

seize

Implies a sudden or forceful grasping.

grasp

Focuses on understanding or taking hold of something, either physically or mentally.

cling to

Suggests holding on tightly, often out of fear or desperation.

connect to

Highlights the establishment of a link or relationship.

affix

Implies attaching something to a surface or object.

attach

Describes joining one thing to another.

join

Focuses on bringing two or more things together.

FAQs

How can I use "latch" in a sentence?

You can use "latch" as a noun, referring to a fastening device, or as a verb, meaning to fasten something with a latch or to grasp something. For example: "Make sure you close the latch" or "The company tried to "latch onto" the new trend".

What are some synonyms for "latch"?

Depending on the context, synonyms for "latch" include "fasten", "secure", "grip", or "grasp".

Is it correct to say "latch onto"?

Yes, "latch onto" is a valid phrasal verb that means to attach oneself to something or someone, either physically or metaphorically. It can also mean to quickly understand or adopt an idea or concept.

What is the difference between "latch" and "lock"?

"Latch" refers to a simple fastening that usually involves a bar fitting into a notch, whereas "lock" implies a more secure mechanism, often requiring a key or combination to open. A "lock" provides a higher level of security than a "latch".