What are the definitions of “snap off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Break a piece off something.
He SNAPPED OFF a bit of chocolate from the bar and gave it to me..
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “snap off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb snap off is to break a piece off something, usually by applying force or pressure. This can be used when talking about breaking a small part of an object or separating a portion of something.
What are the different verb forms of “snap off”?
| Root Verb | snap off |
| Third Person Singular Present | snaps off |
| Present Participle | snapping off |
| Simple Past | snapped off |
| Past Participle | snapped off |
Example
She snapped off a piece of the cookie to share with her friend.
Example
He snaps off a twig from the tree to use as a makeshift tool.
Example
She is snapping off the ends of the green beans before cooking them.
Example
He snapped off a piece of the chocolate bar and gave it to me.
Example
The handle of the cup was snapped off accidentally.
What kind of phrasal verb is “snap off”?
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
“snap off” 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 snapped off a piece of the cookie.
Example
He snapped a piece off the chocolate bar.
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
“snap off” 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 snapped off a piece of the cookie.
Example
He snapped a piece off the chocolate bar.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “snap off”?
Good things to know
Does “snap off” have an informal or formal tone?
Snap off is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. It may not be suitable for formal writing or professional settings. In such cases, alternatives like 'break off' or 'detach' can be used.
