gripping

Everyday

1. Very exciting and holding your attention, so you cannot stop reading or watching. tree →
2. Holding something tightly (from the verb «grip»). tree →

In the lessons

In English lessons, book reviews and stories it praises a book or film: «a gripping story», «a gripping ending». As a verb form it describes holding: «gripping the rope», «gripping the handlebars» — important in safety and PE (hold tight when climbing).

Examples

• It was such a gripping book that I read it in one night. tree →
• The film had a gripping ending. tree →
• She was gripping the rope tightly as she climbed. tree →
• Keep gripping the handlebars when you ride downhill. tree →
• The football match was gripping right to the last minute. tree →
• He told a gripping story about a shipwreck. tree →
• The baby was gripping my finger. tree →

Note

Spelling: double «p» before «-ing» and «-ed»: grip → gripping, gripped. Do not confuse with «griping» (one p, from «gripe» = to complain). «Gripping» as praise is used for stories, games, matches, not for people.