What is clutch? Pronunciation and usage in English

clutch means . Learn how to pronounce and use clutch through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of clutch

clutchverb

/klʌtʃ//klʌtʃ/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "clutch" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /klʌtʃ/ (rhymes with "much" or "buck")

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  1. "cl": Pronounced like the "cl" in "clock" - /kl/
  2. "utch": This is the trickiest part! It's pronounced like "ut" followed by a short "ch" sound, like in "church" but shorter and less emphasized. Think of it as a quick, subtle "ch" sound. It's NOT a long "u" sound like in "cut".

Here's a phonetic transcription (for people familiar with phonetics): /klʌtʃ/

Tips for getting it right:

  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it! Search for "how to pronounce clutch" on YouTube or use a dictionary like Merriam-Webster or Cambridge Dictionary, which have audio pronunciations.
  • Focus on the "utch" sound: This is where most people stumble. Don't try to make it like the "church" sound—keep it short and smooth.
  • Practice: Say it out loud repeatedly. Record yourself and compare it to a native speaker's pronunciation.

Resources for hearing the pronunciation:

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you a more detailed explanation of a specific part of the pronunciation?

Usage and examples with the word clutch in English

Let's break down how to use the word "clutch" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a detailed look, categorized for clarity:

1. Mechanic/Automotive (Most Common Meaning)

  • Definition: The clutch is a mechanical device in a car (and other vehicles) that connects and disconnects the engine's power from the wheels. It allows you to shift gears.
  • Usage: “He needs to replace the clutch in his car.” “The clutch pedal isn't engaging properly.” “A worn clutch can cause jerky starts.”
  • Example: "I took my car to the mechanic because the clutch was slipping."

2. Drama/Situation - A Moment of Crucial Importance

  • Definition: This is a more figurative use. It refers to a moment when someone has to take decisive action, often under pressure, to succeed. It implies a need for skill, nerve, and quick thinking.
  • Usage: “She handled the crisis with incredible clutch.” “He showed real clutch during the final seconds of the game.” “To play well under pressure requires clutch.”
  • Synonyms: nerve, composure, skill, resourcefulness
  • Example: “Our defense needed a clutch play to stop the winning touchdown.”

3. A Firm Grip (Literal)

  • Definition: To "clutch" something means to hold it tightly, often out of fear, anxiety, or desperation.
  • Usage: “She was clutching her purse tightly.” “He clutched at the railing to keep from falling.” “The child was clutching his teddy bear.”
  • Synonyms: grip, hold tightly, grasp.
  • Example: “The woman clutched her son’s hand as they walked through the crowded street.”

4. A Strong Feeling or Attachment (Less Common)

  • Definition: This usage describes a powerful emotional connection or a strong desire.
  • Usage: “He had a clutch on the idea of moving to a new country.” “She felt a clutch for her childhood home.” (This is more poetic)
  • Synonyms: hold, desire, attachment, passion.
  • Example: “She had a clutch for her old friends, even though they lived far away.”

5. (Slang - Gambling) – A good bet

  • Definition: In gambling slang, "clutch" refers to an exceptionally lucky streak or a very good hand.
  • Usage: “He’s on a clutch tonight, pulling off every hand!”
  • Example: “That poker game was full of clutch plays.”

Tips for Using "Clutch" Correctly:

  • Context is Key: The meaning of "clutch" is heavily dependent on the context of the sentence.
  • Figurative vs. Literal: Be mindful of whether you're using it literally (holding something tightly) or figuratively (a crucial moment).

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What is the context in which you want to use the word "clutch"? (e.g., Are you writing a story, having a conversation, describing a car problem?)

Synonyms for the word clutch

Idioms of the word clutch

clutch/grasp at straws
to try all possible means to find a solution or some hope in a difficult or unpleasant situation, even though this seems very unlikely
  • I know I’m just clutching at straws here, but is it possible that the doctors are wrong?

Practice with vocabulary clutch

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. During the tense negotiation, the CEO had to ______ his composure to avoid jeopardizing the deal.
  2. The car's ______ needed replacing, causing difficulties in shifting gears smoothly.
  3. The board decided to ______ the new initiatives, aiming for a quick market entry.
  4. He couldn't ______ his enthusiasm when he heard about the promotion.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. In a moment of panic, he watched the priceless artifact begin to fall, but managed to ______ it just before it hit the floor. A) grasp B) release C) seize D) drop E) clutch

  2. The team found themselves in a real ______ after their star player got injured in the final quarter. A) dilemma B) predicament C) breeze D) clutch E) tight spot

  3. Her ______ performance in the last debate secured her victory in the election. A) mediocre B) outstanding C) pivotal D) clumsy E) clutch

  4. Despite the tight deadline, the project manager ensured all team members remained fully ______ throughout the process. A) disconnected B) disengaged C) committed D) involved E) indifferent

  5. The new regulations will significantly ______ the company's ability to operate freely in the market. A) enhance B) restrict C) impede D) facilitate E) bolster

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite the sentence using a form of "clutch": She held onto the handrail tightly as the train lurched forward.
  2. Rewrite the sentence using a form of "clutch": The success of the entire negotiation depended on their ability to perform well at the very end.
  3. Rewrite the sentence using a suitable replacement word (do not use "clutch"): The company decided to completely overhaul its outdated financial reporting system.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. clutch
  2. clutch
  3. launch
  4. contain

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. A) grasp, C) seize, E) clutch
  2. A) dilemma, B) predicament, D) clutch, E) tight spot
  3. B) outstanding, C) pivotal, E) clutch
  4. C) committed, D) involved
  5. B) restrict, C) impede

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. She clutched the handrail as the train lurched forward.
  2. The entire negotiation's success hinged on their performance in the clutch.
  3. The company decided to completely revamp its outdated financial reporting system.

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