What are the definitions of “snap up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Get, acquire or buy something quickly.
Collectors SNAPPED UP every copy the day it was released.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “snap up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb snap up is to quickly get, acquire, or buy something, often because it is in high demand or available for a limited time. For example, it can mean buying a popular item as soon as it is released or taking advantage of a great deal before it is gone.
What are the different verb forms of “snap up”?
| Root Verb | snap up |
| Third Person Singular Present | snaps up |
| Present Participle | snapping up |
| Simple Past | snapped up |
| Past Participle | snapped up |
Example
I always snap up the best deals during the sale.
Example
She snaps up any limited edition items she can find.
Example
He is snapping up the last few tickets for the concert.
Example
Yesterday, they snapped up all the discounted items at the store.
Example
The rare painting was snapped up by an anonymous buyer.
What kind of phrasal verb is “snap 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
“snap 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 snapped up the last pair of shoes in her size.
Example
He snapped up the opportunity to work with the famous director.
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 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 snapped up the last pair of shoes in her size.
Example
He snapped up the opportunity to work with the famous director.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “snap up”?
Snap up an opportunity
To quickly take advantage of a chance or possibility, often because it is rare or time-sensitive.
Example
When the job opening was announced, many people tried to snap up the opportunity to work for the prestigious company.
Snap up tickets
To quickly buy tickets for an event, often because they are in high demand or limited in number.
Example
Fans snapped up tickets for the concert as soon as they went on sale.
Good things to know
Does “snap up” have an informal or formal tone?
Snap up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as business or news reports, depending on the specific context.
