become a snob

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become a snob" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has developed an attitude of superiority or elitism, often regarding tastes or preferences. Example: "After moving to the city and attending exclusive events, she seemed to become a snob, looking down on her old friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Just don't become a snob about it.

The New Yorker

"With chandu, and the whole ritual, you become a snob".

The New Yorker

"There were rumors about me, that I had become a snob," she said.

The New York Times

She left at 16: they were educating her to become a snob, she complained.

The Guardian

The restaurants are so exceptional that I've become a snob when traveling because of how good I have it back home.

The Washington Post

When a family and children's theater presents a play based on Dickens's novel "Great Expectations" — the tale of Pip, a poor, uneducated orphan who grows up, with the help of a secret benefactor, to be a gentleman, only to realize guiltily that he has become a snob — the hope is that the mystery, passion and excitement of the book will translate into the 80 minutes allotted (no intermission).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Taylor confesses that he becomes a snob whenever he hears Adele on the radio or hears a Channel 4 presenter "tumbling over her glottal stops", but hopes that he is not a snob per se.

The Guardian - Books

(I've become a photography snob over the last few months, so I couldn't give a damn about built-in cellphone cameras anymore. But that's just me).

TechCrunch

I realized I have become an event snob.

Forbes

I have become a real chocolate snob.

The Guardian - Money

"I have become a massive coffee snob," she says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "become a snob", consider the specific context and the degree of snobbery you want to convey. There are various synonyms and related phrases, such as "turn into a snob" or "develop snobbish tendencies", each with subtle differences in meaning.

Common error

While "become a snob" is acceptable, overuse, especially in formal contexts, can make your writing sound less sophisticated. Opt for more nuanced language like "develop an air of superiority" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become a snob" functions as a predicate. It utilizes the linking verb "become" to connect the subject to the noun "snob", which describes a state of being. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently employed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become a snob" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe the development of elitist or superior attitudes. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and examples show its usage across diverse contexts, most frequently in News & Media. While versatile, opting for more formal phrasing like "cultivate elitist tendencies" may be necessary when writing for highly professional settings. The directness of "become a snob" is generally suitable for neutral to informal registers, but avoid overuse in formal contexts to maintain a sophisticated tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turn into a snob

Emphasizes a transformation or change in character towards snobbery.

develop snobbish tendencies

Highlights the gradual development of snobbish behaviors.

grow into a snob

Suggests a natural progression towards snobbery over time.

become pretentious

Focuses on adopting an affected or exaggerated air of importance.

acquire a superior attitude

Emphasizes the adoption of a feeling of being better than others.

start acting superior

Highlights the behavioral aspect of displaying snobbery.

become elitist

Stresses the identification with an exclusive or privileged group.

develop a sense of entitlement

Focuses on the feeling of deserving special privileges or treatment.

get a big head

An informal way of saying someone has become arrogant or conceited.

become high and mighty

Suggests an arrogant and domineering attitude.

FAQs

How can I use "become a snob" in a sentence?

You can use "become a snob" to describe someone who develops an attitude of superiority. For example, "After winning the lottery, he seemed to "become a snob"."

What's a more formal way to say "become a snob"?

More formal alternatives include "develop an air of superiority" or "cultivate elitist tendencies". These phrases are suitable for professional or academic writing.

Is it grammatically correct to say "become a snob"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Become" is a linking verb, and "snob" functions as a predicate nominative, describing what the subject has become.

What is the difference between "become a snob" and "act like a snob"?

"Become a snob" implies a genuine shift in attitude, whereas "act like a snob" suggests someone is merely pretending or putting on a snobbish persona without necessarily believing it.