What is grip? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of grip

gripnoun/verb

/ɡrɪp//ɡrɪp/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "grip" in English. Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • ɡrɪp (rhymes with "trip" or "slip")

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  • "gr": This is pronounced like the "gr" in "green" or "grab." It’s a short, sharp sound.
  • "ip": This is pronounced like the "ip" in "tip" or "ship." It's a quick, closed vowel sound.

Here's a more detailed breakdown with sounds (using the International Phonetic Alphabet - IPA):

  • /ɡrɪp/
    • /ɡ/ - "g" as in "go"
    • /rɪ/ - a short, quick "ih" sound (like in "bit")
    • /p/ - "p" as in "pen"

Tips for getting it right:

  • Don't overemphasize the "gr": It's a short, quick sound, not a long, drawn-out "grah."
  • Keep the "ip" sound crisp: Make sure it's a clear “ih” sound.

Resources for Hearing it:

  • Google Search: Simply search "how to pronounce grip" on Google. You'll find audio examples.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/grip/ This website has pronunciations from native speakers.

Would you like me to:

  • Give you a more specific breakdown based on a particular accent (e.g., American English, British English)?

Usage and examples with the word grip in English

Let's break down how to use the word "grip" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings – we'll cover them all with examples.

1. Physical Grip (Holding Something)

  • Meaning: To hold something tightly with your hands.
  • Example: "He had a firm grip on the steering wheel."
  • Example: "She struggled to maintain her grip on the slippery rope."
  • Synonyms: hold, clutch, grasp

2. Emotional or Mental Grip (Influence, Control)

  • Meaning: To have a strong and persistent influence or control over someone's feelings, thoughts, or actions. It’s a feeling of being completely affected or dominated.
  • Example: "The news of the accident had a terrible grip on her emotions." (She was deeply affected)
  • Example: “The fear of failure had a grip on him, preventing him from trying new things.” (He was paralyzed by fear)
  • Example: "The government's policies exerted a tight grip on the economy.” (The policies had a strong, controlling effect)
  • Synonyms: hold, influence, control, dominate, affect, seize

3. A Tight or Firm Hold (Figurative - things besides objects)

  • Meaning: To describe a situation or feeling as having a stable, unwavering quality. This is a more figurative use.
  • Example: “The rain had a grip on the city, keeping everything damp and gray.” (The rain dominated the atmosphere)
  • Example: “A sense of melancholy had a grip on the room.” (A feeling of sadness tightly held the atmosphere)

4. "Grip" as a Verb (To Grab or Seize)

  • Meaning: To grab or seize something suddenly and firmly.
  • Example: “The thief tried to grip the wallet, but it slipped from his grasp.”
  • Example: “She gripped the bar tightly as she started her climb.”

5. Grip (of a Material - Roughness, Texture)

  • Meaning: Referring to the texture or roughness of a surface.
  • Example: "The stone had a rough grip under my feet.” (It was difficult to hold because it was rough)

Here's a breakdown to help you choose the right “grip”:

  • Physical: Think about holding something.
  • Emotional/Mental: Think about feelings, control, or influence.
  • Figurative: Think about a feeling or situation dominating something.
  • Verb (to grab): Think of a sudden action of seizing.

Resources for More Examples:

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

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "grip"? (e.g., writing a story, having a conversation, etc.)

Synonyms for the word grip

Idioms of the word grip

come/get to grips with something
to begin to understand and deal with something difficult
  • I'm slowly getting to grips with the language.
  • They have so far failed to come to grips with the ecological problems.
get/take a grip (on yourself)
(informal)to improve your behaviour or control your emotions after being afraid, upset or angry
  • I have to take a grip on myself, he told himself firmly.
  • Get a grip! (= make an effort to control your emotions)
in the grip of something
experiencing something unpleasant that cannot be stopped
  • a country in the grip of recession
lose your grip (on something)
to become unable to understand or control a situation
  • Sometimes I feel I'm losing my grip.

Practice with vocabulary grip

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The financial analyst lost his _____ on the market trends, leading to poor investment decisions.
  2. Her excellent _____ of complex data models allowed her to excel in her field.
  3. Despite the slippery surface, the climber maintained a firm _____ on the rock face.
  4. The project manager faced a significant _____ when a key team member resigned unexpectedly.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of these words describes holding something tightly and securely? a) release b) grasp c) slip d) grip

  2. Which terms refer to a deep understanding or firm control over a situation or subject? a) superficiality b) comprehension c) grip d) ignorance

  3. Which words describe a deep and thorough understanding of a topic? a) superficiality b) insight c) comprehension d) misinterpretation

  4. A powerful corporation can exert significant _____ over its suppliers and market. a) liberation b) sway c) grip d) dominion

  5. Which word implies a strong, often forceful, hold on something or someone? a) loosen b) clutch c) release d) relinquish

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The police found it challenging to control the rapidly escalating protest.

    • Rewrite using "grip":

  2. She held the handle of the luggage firmly, even as she hurried through the crowded airport.

    • Rewrite using "grip":

  3. It took him a long time to understand the complex instructions for assembling the new machine.

    • Rewrite without "grip":

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. grip
  2. comprehension
  3. grip
  4. challenge

Exercise 2:

  1. b) grasp, d) grip
  2. b) comprehension, c) grip
  3. b) insight, c) comprehension
  4. b) sway, c) grip, d) dominion
  5. b) clutch

Exercise 3:

  1. The police struggled to get a grip on the rapidly escalating protest.
  2. She maintained a firm grip on the handle of the luggage, even as she hurried through the crowded airport.
  3. It took him a long time to comprehend the complex instructions for assembling the new machine.

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