a snack

USAGE SUMMARY

"a snack" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is eaten between meals. For example: "I'm feeling a bit peckish, I think I'll make myself a snack."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We'll have a snack.

The New Yorker

What is a snack, anyway?

The New York Times

Without even a snack.

The New York Times

After a snack.

The New York Times

A snack on standby!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Give boys a snack.

The New York Times

"I just had a snack".

The New Yorker

Tsonga is having a snack.

The Guardian - Sport

"A snack food," I said.

The New York Times - Sports

Lunch or as a snack.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"It's a snack-food factory.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing dietary habits, be specific about the type of "a snack" to provide meaningful information (e.g., "a healthy snack", "a high-protein snack").

Common error

Avoid assuming all "a snack" are created equal. Some snacks are nutritious, while others are high in sugar or unhealthy fats. Specify the nutritional content for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a snack" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to a small amount of food eaten between regular meals. Ludwig AI also confirms its correct usage as a common phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a snack" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to refer to a small portion of food consumed between meals. Ludwig highlights its versatile usage across various contexts, from casual conversations to news reports. It serves the purpose of alleviating hunger or providing a quick energy boost. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Wiki sources. When discussing dietary habits, it's advisable to specify the type of snack for clarity. Alternatives include "a light meal" or "a quick bite", depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bite to eat

This alternative is less specific and more idiomatic, suggesting a small amount of food.

a light meal

This alternative specifies the size of the meal, implying it's not substantial.

a quick bite

This alternative emphasizes the speed and ease of consuming the food.

a small treat

This alternative suggests the snack is something enjoyable and perhaps a little indulgent.

some refreshments

This alternative broadens the scope to include drinks as well as food.

a between-meal nibble

This alternative is more descriptive, specifying that it's eaten between main meals.

a tidbit

This alternative suggests a very small amount of food.

a midday snack

This alternative specifies the time of day when the snack is consumed.

an afternoon treat

This alternative is specific to the afternoon and suggests something enjoyable.

a little something

This is a more vague and general way of referring to a snack.

FAQs

How can I use "a snack" in a sentence?

You can use "a snack" to refer to a small amount of food eaten between meals. For example, "I had "a snack" before dinner because I was hungry".

What are some alternatives to "a snack"?

Alternatives include "a light meal", "a quick bite", or "some refreshments", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a snack"?

Yes, "a snack" is grammatically correct. The article "a" is used because "snack" is a singular, countable noun.

What's the difference between "a snack" and "a meal"?

"A snack" is a small amount of food eaten between meals, while "a meal" is a larger, more substantial portion of food usually eaten at a set time.