Clutch or Grasp

[thtm]

I've got a multiple choice question:
He managed to __________ the branch of a tree and avoid being swept away by the flood waters.
A. grasp B. clutch C. hug D. munch
The key is 'grasp' but plase tell me why 'clutch' isn't suitable here. I've looked them up in the OALD and still can't distinghuish between the two words.
Thanks a lot

 

[MikeNewYork]

I've got a multiple choice question:
He managed to __________ the branch of a tree and avoid being swept away by the flood waters.
A. grasp B. clutch C. hug D. munch
The key is 'grasp' but plase tell me why 'clutch' isn't suitable here. I've looked them up in the OALD and still can't distinghuish between the two words.
Thanks a lot

It is difficult to mark either answer as incorrect. Webster's Third has "clutch" as a definition for "grasp", and vice versa.

 

[Gillnetter]

I've got a multiple choice question:
He managed to __________ the branch of a tree and avoid being swept away by the flood waters.
A. grasp B. clutch C. hug D. munch
The key is 'grasp' but plase tell me why 'clutch' isn't suitable here. I've looked them up in the OALD and still can't distinghuish between the two words.
Thanks a lot

The answer could be A, B, or C. One can "hug" a tree as well as grasp or clutch a tree. A better answer is, "He managed to hold onto the branch of a tree..."

 

[konungursvia]

To me, clutch implies strengthening your grip, while already holding an object, whereas grasp always means a reaching out to seize and gain a hold on an object.