Cool MateClutch vs Hold
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Clutch
Top 1,000 (very common)
Hold
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
| Clutch | Hold | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //klʌtʃ//🇺🇸 //klʌtʃ// | 🇬🇧 /["/həʊld/","/həʊldz/","/held/","/ˈhəʊldɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/həʊld/","/həʊldz/","/held/","/ˈhəʊldɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To hold something tightly or to do well under pressure. | To have something in your hands or arms. |
| Example | She had to clutch her bag tightly on the crowded bus. | Please hold this book while I grab my bag. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | A2 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | clutch bag, clutch moment, in the clutch, clutch performance | firmly, securely, tightly, commonly, widely, deeply |
| Antonyms | release, let go, discard | release, let go, drop |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'clutch' as a vehicle part instead of the action., Using 'clutch' in the wrong tense or form., Mixing up 'clutch' with similar-sounding words. | Confused with 'held' in past tense forms., Using 'hold' when referring to emotional support instead of 'support'., Mistakenly used as 'hold on' in formal writing. |
| Usage notes | Use 'clutch' when describing holding something firmly or a performance in a crucial moment. Avoid in very formal contexts. | Used in both formal and informal contexts. Avoid using it in very formal writing for physical holding; instead, use 'grasp' or 'clutch.' |
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Frequently asked questions: Clutch vs Hold
What's the difference between Clutch and Hold?
Clutch: To hold something tightly or to do well under pressure. Hold: To have something in your hands or arms.
Can you show an example of each?
Clutch: She had to clutch her bag tightly on the crowded bus. Hold: Please hold this book while I grab my bag.
Can I use Clutch and Hold interchangeably?
Not always. Clutch and Hold are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.