What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
grasp
Example
She grasped the handle tightly and pulled the door open. [grasped: past tense]
Example
I couldn't grasp the concept of calculus, no matter how hard I tried. [grasp: verb]
Example
He quickly grasped the opportunity to invest in the startup. [grasped: past participle]
grip
Example
She had a tight grip on the steering wheel as she drove through the storm. [grip: noun]
Example
He gripped the rope tightly and began to climb. [gripped: past tense]
Example
The company had a strong grip on the market, making it difficult for competitors to succeed. [grip: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Grip is more commonly used than grasp in everyday language. Grip is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while grasp is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between grasp and grip?
Both grasp and grip can be used in formal and informal contexts, but grasp may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its less frequent usage in everyday language.
