What are the definitions of “sneak up on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Approach someone furtively.
Dave tried to SNEAK UP ON the guard, but was seen anyway.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “sneak up on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb sneak up on is to approach someone or something quietly and secretly, usually to surprise or catch them off guard. For example, it can mean moving silently towards a person or animal without being noticed.
What are the different verb forms of “sneak up on”?
| Root Verb | sneak up on |
| Third Person Singular Present | sneaks up on |
| Present Participle | sneaking up on |
| Simple Past | sneaked up on |
| Past Participle | sneaked up on |
Example
The cat likes to sneak up on unsuspecting birds.
Example
He sneaks up on his friends to scare them.
Example
She is sneaking up on her brother to surprise him.
Example
Yesterday, the dog sneaked up on the mail carrier.
Example
The thief had sneaked up on the homeowner and stole their belongings.
What kind of phrasal verb is “sneak up on”?
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
“sneak up on” 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
The cat sneaked up on the bird.
Example
She sneaked up on her brother to surprise him.
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
“sneak up on” 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
The cat sneaked up on the bird.
Example
She sneaked up on her brother to surprise him.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “sneak up on”?
Good things to know
Does “sneak up on” have an informal or formal tone?
Sneak up on 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 in news articles or academic writing, depending on the specific context.
