What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
clasping
Example
She clasped her hands together in prayer. [clasped: verb]
Example
The child clasped the toy tightly, not wanting to let go. [clasping: gerund or present participle]
clutching
Example
He was clutching his backpack as he ran to catch the bus. [clutching: verb]
Example
She felt a sense of fear and started clutching onto her friend's arm. [clutching: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Clutching is more commonly used than clasping in everyday language. Clutching is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while clasping is less common and may be used in more specific or formal situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between clasping and clutching?
While clasping can have a more formal or elegant connotation, clutching is generally used in both formal and informal contexts.
