What are the definitions of “grasp at”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Try to take hold of something quickly.
He GRASPED AT the rail when he fell.
- 2Take an opportunity without hesitation.
They GRASPED AT the chance to speak to her.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “grasp at”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb grasp at is to try to take hold of something quickly. It can also mean to take an opportunity without hesitation. For example, it can be used when someone tries to catch something falling or when someone quickly takes an opportunity that comes their way.
What are the different verb forms of “grasp at”?
| Root Verb | grasp at |
| Third Person Singular Present | grasps at |
| Present Participle | grasping at |
| Simple Past | grasped at |
| Past Participle | grasped at |
Example
She grasped at the opportunity to study abroad.
Example
He grasps at any chance to improve his skills.
Example
They are grasping at straws trying to solve the problem.
Example
Yesterday, he grasped at the rope to stop from falling.
Example
The opportunity was grasped at with both hands.
What kind of phrasal verb is “grasp at”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“grasp at” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She grasped at the opportunity to study abroad.
Example
He grasped at the rope to stop from falling.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“grasp at” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She grasped at the opportunity to study abroad.
Example
He grasped at the rope to stop from falling.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “grasp at”?
Good things to know
Does “grasp at” have an informal or formal tone?
Grasp at is a neutral phrasal verb. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the phrase 'grasp at straws' is more commonly used in informal speech or writing.
