What are the definitions of “snaffle up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Consume, take, buy something other people may want.
They SNAFFLED UP all the food before we got there.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “snaffle up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb snaffle up is to consume, take, or buy something that other people may want. It often implies that the action is done quickly or greedily.
What are the different verb forms of “snaffle up”?
| Root Verb | snaffle up |
| Third Person Singular Present | snaffles up |
| Present Participle | snaffling up |
| Simple Past | snaffled up |
| Past Participle | snaffled up |
Example
I always snaffle up the best deals during the sale.
Example
She snaffles up the last piece of cake before anyone else can get it.
Example
He is snaffling up all the discounted items at the store.
Example
Yesterday, they snaffled up all the tickets to the concert.
Example
The limited edition items were snaffled up within minutes of their release.
What kind of phrasal verb is “snaffle up”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“snaffle up” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She snaffled up the last chocolate bar.
Example
He snaffled up all the best seats at the theater.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“snaffle up” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She snaffled up the last chocolate bar.
Example
He snaffled up all the best seats at the theater.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “snaffle up”?
Snaffle up an opportunity
To quickly take advantage of an opportunity before others can.
Example
When the job opening was announced, she snaffled up the opportunity to apply.
Snaffle up resources
To quickly gather or take resources, often in a greedy manner.
Example
The company snaffled up all the available office space in the building.
Good things to know
Does “snaffle up” have an informal or formal tone?
Snaffle up is an informal phrasal verb that is more commonly used in casual conversations. It may not be suitable for formal settings or writing, where more formal synonyms like 'acquire' or 'obtain' might be preferred.
