Meaning & use
clutching
Last updated
“clutching” is a form of “clutch”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
verbtransitive
holding something tightly and firmly, often because you are afraid, excited, or in a hurry.
Grammar: It takes an object: clutch the handle.
Patterns
- clutch something
- clutch something in your hand
- clutch at something
She was clutching her passport as she ran to the gate.
He sat clutching the letter, unable to speak.
The child was clutching a small toy in one hand.
verbintransitive
trying hard to hold on to something or someone, especially in a difficult situation.
Grammar: Often followed by at or to: clutch at a chance.
Patterns
- clutch at something
- clutch at straws
The climber was clutching at the rock face with both hands.
They are clutching at any hope of saving the business.
Word forms
| base form | clutch |
|---|---|
| third person singular | clutches |
| past tense | clutched |
| past participle | clutched |
| -ing form | clutching |
Common combinations
- clutching at straws
- He is just clutching at straws if he thinks that excuse will work.
- clutching your chest
- She was clutching her chest and gasping for air.
- clutching a bag
- The woman was clutching a bag tightly under her arm.
- clutching a baby
- The mother was clutching her baby to keep it warm.
Synonyms and how they differ
- gripping
- Gripping suggests a steady, controlled hold, while clutching often suggests a more desperate or emotional hold.
- clasping
- Clasping means holding something with your fingers or arms wrapped around it, often gently; clutching is usually tighter and more urgent.
- grasping
- Grasping means trying to take hold of something, while clutching means already holding it tightly.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: clutching or clutching vs. clenching?
clutching vs clutching vs. clenching
Clenching means closing your hand or teeth tightly, often in anger; clutching means holding something tightly.
Practice
Choose the correct word: She was ___ her mother's hand during the storm.
Choose one answer.
The sentence needs the -ing form after 'was' to show an action happening at that time. 'Clutch' is the base form and does not fit after 'was' here; 'clutches' is present simple, and 'clutched' would need a different sentence structure.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “clutching”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.