grab at

IPA/ɡɹˈab at/
IPA/ɡɹˈæb æt/

grab at — 慣用語

1. to suddenly move your hand toward a person or thing, hoping to hold or catch it

1.慣用語及物B1
釋義

伸手去抓

突然伸手試著抓住人或物

to suddenly move your hand toward a person or thing, hoping to hold or catch it before it gets away

例句

Hugo grabbed at the rope as the boat began to drift from the dock.

船開始離開碼頭漂走時，Hugo 伸手去抓那條繩子。

grab at + physical object you are trying to catch

The toddler grabbed at the cat's tail, but the cat darted under the sofa.

那個幼兒伸手去抓貓的尾巴，但貓一溜就鑽進了沙發底下。

常見搭配
  • grab at the rail
  • grab at someone's arm
  • grab at the chance
同義詞
  • snatch at

    also a quick reach, but suggests a sharper, more sudden motion

  • clutch at

    emphasises a desperate or tight grip, often when frightened

  • reach for

    neutral and calmer; no sense of speed or urgency

文法句型

grab at + noun

用法筆記

Distinguish from the simple verb 'grab': adding 'at' stresses the reaching motion and often suggests the attempt may fail, while 'grab' alone implies you actually took hold of the thing.

常見錯誤

She grabbed at the keys and put them in her pocket.
She grabbed the keys and put them in her pocket.
use plain 'grab' once you have firmly taken hold of something; 'grab at' is the reaching attempt, not the successful hold.