Meaning & use
grabs you
Last updated
UK/ˈɡræbz juː/
US/ˈɡræbz juː/
Meaning
phraseidiom
Suddenly attracts your attention or interest in a strong way.
Grammar: Used with a subject that is the thing attracting attention, e.g. 'The song grabs you.'
Patterns
- something grabs you
- grab you by the ...
The opening scene of the movie really grabs you and doesn't let go.
Her speech grabbed you from the first sentence.
That catchy tune grabs you and you can't stop humming it.
Common combinations
- really grabs you
- The novel really grabs you from the first page.
- grabs your attention
- The bright colors grab your attention.
- grabs you by the throat
- The tension in the thriller grabs you by the throat.
Synonyms and how they differ
- captivates
- More formal and often suggests holding your interest over a longer time.
- grips
- Similar but often implies a stronger, more intense hold on your emotions.
Opposites
boresrepels
Word family
- grab verb
- To take hold of something suddenly.
- grabby adjective
- Informal: trying to get attention or things in a selfish way.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence:
Choose one answer.
The phrase 'grabs you' is followed by 'with' to show the means, or 'by the' for a body part. 'By its bright colors' is wrong because 'by' is used with body parts, not means.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “grabs you”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.
Your sentence stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.