will be up for grabs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "will be up for grabs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something will be available for anyone to take or claim, often referring to opportunities, items, or positions. Example: "The last ticket to the concert will be up for grabs at noon tomorrow, so make sure to act fast if you want it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Only her shoes will be up for grabs.

Independent

On Tuesday, 36 seats will be up for grabs.

The Guardian

Just eight Republican seats will be up for grabs.

The Washington Post

Once the dragon dies, however, these lands will be up for grabs.

The New York Times - Books

Many more deals will be up for grabs in the weeks ahead.

Independent

Eight other spots will be up for grabs in those races.

The New York Times - Sports

Analysts say at least 20% of the savings banks' branches will be up for grabs.

The Economist

More than seven hundred and fifty delegates will be up for grabs in these six contests.

The New Yorker

In the next three weeks more than $600,000 will be up for grabs.

The New York Times

Some squares have already been filled by sponsors, but ritzy Mayfair will be up for grabs.

The Guardian

All 349 seats in the Riksdag will be up for grabs.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "will be up for grabs" when you want to emphasize that something is available and that people or entities may compete for it. It suggests a sense of opportunity and potential gain.

Common error

Avoid using "will be up for grabs" in highly formal or academic writing. While the phrase is widely understood, it can sound too informal for serious or scholarly contexts. Consider using alternatives like "will be available" or "will be subject to competition" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "will be up for grabs" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, indicating a future state of availability or accessibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound expression, indicating that something is available to be taken or claimed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "will be up for grabs" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to indicate that something will be available for anyone to take, claim, or compete for. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, noting its frequent use across various contexts, primarily in news and media. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid using it in highly formal or academic settings, opting for more professional alternatives. When used appropriately, "will be up for grabs" effectively conveys a sense of opportunity and potential gain, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will be there for the taking

Implies ease of acquisition and a lack of significant obstacles.

will be available

Focuses on the simple availability of something, without necessarily implying competition or opportunity.

will be obtainable

Emphasizes the possibility of acquiring something, suggesting a degree of effort might be required.

will be on offer

Highlights that something is being presented as an opportunity or deal.

will be subject to competition

Directly points out that something is not guaranteed and will be competed for.

are up for grabs

Focuses on the present situation, omitting the future indication.

will be in contention

Specifically suggests that something is subject to competition or dispute.

will be claimable

Highlights the possibility of ownership once something is taken.

will be at stake

Emphasizes the potential gains or losses associated with something that is available.

will be open for application

Indicates a formal process for claiming a position or opportunity.

FAQs

What does "will be up for grabs" mean?

The phrase "will be up for grabs" means that something will be available for anyone to take, claim, or compete for. It suggests opportunity and potential gain or loss depending on the situation.

How can I use "will be up for grabs" in a sentence?

You can use "will be up for grabs" to indicate that something will be available for anyone. For example, "The new contract "will be up for grabs" next quarter, so prepare your proposals."

What can I say instead of "will be up for grabs"?

You can use alternatives like "will be available", "will be obtainable", or "will be on offer" depending on the context.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "will be up for grabs"?

The phrase "will be up for grabs" is generally suitable for news, informal, and some business contexts. However, avoid it in highly formal or academic writing where a more professional tone is required.