make a grab for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a grab for" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to try to take or obtain something quickly and forcefully. Example: The thief made a grab for the woman's purse as she walked down the street.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

You're running late for an evening out — what three products do you make a grab for?

The New York Times

I locate my bobbing mask, make a grab for the ladder and am hauled in safely, my lesson solidly learned.

The Guardian - Travel

"It is startling that Morgan Stanley would ignore the court's clear decision to make a grab for money to which it has no legal right," Mr. Epstein said.

The New York Times

Hence her infuriating habit of stealing a scene, or an entire movie, without appearing to make a grab for the goods.

The New Yorker

But this is more subtle – it's an attempt to make a grab for the very building blocks of knowledge that the media and political debates develop from.

The Guardian

Now the teachers' unions fear the faiths will make a grab for many more schools when the education bill puts them all up for potential takeover.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Sometimes bitterness makes a grab for Leah".

The New York Times - Books

But she's making a grab for it".

Independent

11.07pm BST Grant Shapps makes a grab for the centre ground.

The Guardian

Cohen, before him, made a grab for Sotheby's too, as have various other financial arrivistes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Labour and the Tories are making a grab for Lib Dem votes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make a grab for" when you want to convey a sense of urgency, opportunism, or competition in acquiring something. It's suitable when describing someone trying to quickly secure a benefit or advantage.

Common error

While "make a grab for" is widely understood, avoid using it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more neutral phrases like "attempt to acquire" or "seek to obtain" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic expression "make a grab for" functions as a verbal phrase. It describes an action undertaken to quickly acquire or seize something, often implying a competitive or opportunistic approach. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiomatic phrase "make a grab for" signifies a swift and often opportunistic attempt to acquire something, typically in a competitive scenario. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and widely used, especially in news and media contexts. While its neutral register allows for broad application, formal writing may benefit from alternatives like "attempt to acquire". The frequency with which "make a grab for" appears in reputable sources underscores its relevance in describing scenarios involving ambition and the pursuit of gains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

try to seize

Highlights the attempt to take something, often implying force or difficulty.

seize an opportunity

Focuses on the act of taking advantage of a situation, emphasizing opportunity.

snatch at

Implies a hurried and perhaps desperate attempt to get something.

capitalize on

Highlights leveraging an advantage for gain, less about the speed of action.

take possession of

Emphasizes the act of acquiring ownership or control.

maneuver to acquire

Emphasizes strategic actions taken to gain possession of something.

reach for

Indicates an attempt to attain something, often with ambition or aspiration.

aim for

Implies setting a target or goal and working towards it.

lay claim to

Highlights asserting a right or entitlement to something.

aspire to

Focuses on ambition and the desire to achieve a goal.

FAQs

How can I use "make a grab for" in a sentence?

Use "make a grab for" to describe an attempt to seize something quickly or opportunistically. For example, "The company "made a grab for" market share with its aggressive pricing strategy."

What are some alternatives to "make a grab for"?

You can use alternatives like "seize an opportunity", "capitalize on", or "try to seize" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "make a grab for" appropriate in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "make a grab for" might be too informal for some academic or professional contexts. Consider using alternatives such as "seek to obtain" or "attempt to acquire".

What does it mean to "make a grab for" something?

To "make a grab for" something means to try and get it or take it quickly, often in a competitive or opportunistic manner. It suggests a sense of urgency or a desire to secure something before others can.