Phrasal verbs "snitch on" vs "spy on"

Differences between snitch on and spy on

Snitch on means to inform or report someone's wrongdoing to an authority figure, while spy on means to secretly observe or gather information about someone or something.

Meanings and Definitions: snitch on vs spy on

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Snitch on

  • 1Divulge secrets, inform authorities about someone.

    Reggie was caught after someone SNITCHED ON him to the teacher.

Spy on

  • 1Secretly observe or monitor someone or something.

    Managers feel it is their duty to spy on the workforce.

  • 2Secretly observe or gather information about someone or something.

    They were accused of spying on Soviet military installations.

Usage Examples: snitch on, spy on in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

snitch on

Example

I can't believe you would snitch on your own brother!

Example

She always snitches on her classmates when they break the rules.

spy on

Example

I think my neighbor is spying on me.

Example

He spies on his coworkers to see if they are working hard.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Snitch on

To inform on someone or reveal their wrongdoing to an authority figure.

Example

He ratted out his friend to the teacher for cheating on the test.

To inform on someone's misbehavior to an authority figure, especially when it is not serious.

Example

The little girl tattled on her brother for taking a cookie from the jar.

To inform on someone's wrongdoing to an authority figure.

Example

She told on her coworker for stealing office supplies.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Spy on

To observe or keep track of something over time, often for a specific purpose.

Example

The government monitors internet activity to prevent cyber attacks.

To watch or observe something secretly or without being noticed.

Example

The detective observed covertly as the suspect entered the building.

To collect information about a person, group, or situation for a specific purpose.

Example

The spy was sent to gather intelligence on the enemy's military plans.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with โ€œonโ€

Differences in snitch on vs spy on: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: snitch on or spy on?

Both snitch on and spy on are commonly used in spoken English, but snitch on is more frequently used in informal conversations, while spy on is more commonly used in formal contexts such as espionage or surveillance.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of snitch on and spy on

Spy on is generally considered more formal than snitch on. Spy on is often used in professional settings such as law enforcement or intelligence agencies. Snitch on, on the other hand, is more informal and is often used in everyday conversations.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of snitch on and spy on

The tone of snitch on is often negative, as it implies that the person reporting is betraying someone's trust. The tone of spy on can vary depending on the context. It can be negative if the spying is done without permission, but it can also be neutral or positive if it is done for a legitimate reason, such as gathering information for a research project.

snitch on & spy on: Synonyms and Antonyms

Snitch on

Synonyms

Antonyms

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