What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
catch
Example
He managed to catch the ball before it hit the ground. [catch: verb]
Example
The police caught the thief as he was trying to escape. [caught: past tense]
snatch
Example
She snatched the toy from her brother's hands. [snatch: verb]
Example
The thief snatched her purse and ran away. [snatched: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Catch is more commonly used than snatch in everyday language. Catch is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while snatch is less common and often associated with specific situations or negative actions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between catch and snatch?
While catch is a neutral and commonly used word in both formal and informal contexts, snatch may be considered more informal and may carry a negative connotation due to its association with stealing or forceful actions.
