B2verb informal 1K

Grab

🇬🇧 UK /["/ɡræb/","/ɡræbz/","/ɡræbd/","/ˈɡræbɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ɡræb/","/ɡræbz/","/ɡræbd/","/ˈɡræbɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Grab

to take or hold somebody/something with your hand suddenly or roughly

In simple words: to take something quickly or suddenly

Grab in a sentence

• I need to grab a coffee before my meeting.
• Please grab the book from the shelf and bring it to me.
• He managed to grab the lead in the race within the first lap.
• She tried to grab my attention by waving her hand.
• After school, they plan to grab some food at the new restaurant.
• I saw him grab the last piece of pizza before anyone else could.
• Make sure to grab the opportunity when it arises.
• Can you grab a couple of bags from the car?
• He had to grab hold of the railing to prevent himself from falling.
• The artist wants to grab the viewer's interest right from the start.

How to use Grab

Use 'grab' in casual conversations, particularly when describing a quick action. Avoid in formal writing; 'seize' or 'take' may be more appropriate.

Grammar pattern

grab + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'grab a snack' — think of quickly grabbing a bite to eat.

Related words

Collocations with Grab

• suddenly
• quickly
• try to
• manage to
• at
• by
• from
• grab hold of something
• suddenly
• quickly
• try to
• manage to
• at
• by
• from
• grab hold of something
• suddenly
• quickly
• try to
• manage to
• at
• by
• from
• grab hold of something

Synonyms for Grab

• take
• seize
• snatch
• catch
• clutch

Opposites of Grab

• release
• let go
• drop

Common mistakes with Grab

• Confusing 'grab' with 'grasp'; 'grasp' implies a more secure hold.
• Using 'grab' in a formal context where 'take' would be a better choice.
• Mixing up 'grab' with 'snatch'; 'snatch' often implies theft or a more aggressive action.

Frequently asked questions about Grab

What does Grab mean?

to take something quickly or suddenly

What is the definition of Grab?

to take or hold somebody/something with your hand suddenly or roughly

How do you use Grab in a sentence?

I need to grab a coffee before my meeting.

Can you give another example of Grab?

Please grab the book from the shelf and bring it to me.

What are synonyms for Grab?

Common alternatives include take, seize, snatch, catch, clutch.

What is the opposite of Grab?

Opposite meanings include release, let go, drop.

What words go with Grab?

It commonly pairs with suddenly, quickly, try to, manage to, at, by, from, grab hold of something, suddenly, quickly, try to, manage to, at, by, from, grab hold of something, suddenly, quickly, try to, manage to, at, by, from, grab hold of something.

What are common mistakes when using Grab?

Confusing 'grab' with 'grasp'; 'grasp' implies a more secure hold. Using 'grab' in a formal context where 'take' would be a better choice. Mixing up 'grab' with 'snatch'; 'snatch' often implies theft or a more aggressive action.

How do you pronounce Grab?

US: /["/ɡræb/","/ɡræbz/","/ɡræbd/","/ˈɡræbɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ɡræb/","/ɡræbz/","/ɡræbd/","/ˈɡræbɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Grab formal or informal?

"Grab" is informal, so it fits casual conversation with friends and family.

When should I use Grab?

Use 'grab' in casual conversations, particularly when describing a quick action. Avoid in formal writing; 'seize' or 'take' may be more appropriate.

What CEFR level is Grab?

"Grab" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.