What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
snip
Example
She snipped the thread with a pair of scissors. [snipped: past tense]
Example
The hairdresser snipped off the split ends. [snipped: verb]
clip
Example
He clipped the hedges with his garden shears. [clipped: past tense]
Example
She clipped her hair into a neat bun. [clipped: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Clip is more commonly used than snip in everyday language. Clip is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while snip is less common and refers to a more specific type of cut.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between snip and clip?
Both snip and clip are relatively informal words, but clip may be slightly more formal due to its additional meaning as a fastening mechanism.
