grab at the chance to do something

[Tofu]

Hello Alan, Mister Micawber, Beeesneees, Mordant, Esl_Expert and other native English speakers,

http://www.bbcmusicmagazine.com/feature/proms-diary/part-10-formal-introduction
Part 10: A formal introduction
The Budapest Festival Orchestra has been on Tristan Jakob-Hoff's must-hear list for years, so he grabbed the chance to see it at this year's Proms

http://www.mi6.co.uk/sections/articles/biography_paul_haggis.php3
Upon the success of “Thirtysomething”, Haggis grabbed at the chance to write his own TV series.

- grab the chance to do something
- grab at the chance to do something
Are both fine?

[Mordant]

I would use "grab at" if the person attempted to grab something but failed. Otherwise, I would use "grab."

She grabbed at the butterfly but was unable to catch it.

[Beeesneees]

My experience is different. I would also use 'grab at' where the person succeeded (as seen in the 'Thirtysomething' quote, Haggis succeeded in writing his own series).
To me the difference there is in the speed and enthusiasm transmitted in the action.

he grabbed... indicates speed, but 'he grabbed at' indicates lightning speed.

In other contexts, 'grabbed at' indicates more of a sense of desperation than 'grabbed'.
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Cheers m' dears!

[Alan]

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Hi Tofu,

By adding 'at' to 'grab' it seems that you are showing the lack of accuracy or precision. With 'grab' on its own + a direct object indicates that you hold something firmly whereas if you grab at something, the object you are trying to hold is moving and thus difficult to catch.

He grabbed the rope and lowered himself down on to the floor.

For a moment he slipped but managed to grab at the rope as it swung before him.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
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