by snack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by snack" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is unclear when it could be used without additional context, as it does not form a recognizable expression. Example: "I will have a break by snack" does not make sense.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

(The serenity, alas, is interrupted at two points by snack bars and restrooms).

The New York Times - Travel

Journalism – Examine the weekly menu of food served in your school's cafeteria, as well as the food dispensed by snack and soda machines on your campus.

The New York Times

However Resnicow found that breakfast skipping was not replaced by snack consumption among US school children aged 9 19 years old [ 31].

BMC Public Health

The first component, 'snacking', was characterized by snack items and sugar-sweetened drinks consumed between meals, combined with low breakfast and dinner frequency and low intake of water, vegetables and brown bread.

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

In the movie "Q," the winged god-serpent Quetzalcoatl announced its arrival in Manhattan by snacking on rooftop sunbathers.

The New Yorker

But since one had not materialized, they instead contented themselves by voting on subjects like the dignified burial of veterans, and by snacking on pizza.

The New York Times

Bosh grew an inch every year of high school, and by snacking on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches managed to add some bulk to his frame.

The New York Times - Sports

But Dr. Soh, the hospital director, said he has only been able to provide meals of rice and porridge, supplemented by snacks he brings from home.

The New York Times

Some were put under family pressure to follow the fast, while others felt the need to conceal their decision not to fast by snacking in secret.

The Guardian

Start your evening at sunset in the open-air T'Cholit Bar with a rum-and-lime Ti Punch ($10) accompanied by snacks of spicy coconut chips and pickled christophene.

The New York Times - Travel

It was nearly dark, and the whole city, it seemed, had turned out, with families stuffed onto balconies, and a clutch of Sisters of Mercy passing the wait by snacking on sunflower seeds.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "by snack" in formal writing. Instead, opt for clearer and more grammatically sound alternatives such as "with a snack" or "while snacking" to convey your intended meaning.

Common error

Don't assume "by" can always replace "with" or "during". "By" typically indicates means or method, not simple accompaniment. Saying "He relaxed by snack" is incorrect; instead, say "He relaxed with a snack."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by snack" functions as a prepositional phrase, attempting to modify a verb or noun. However, as Ludwig AI indicates, its usage is grammatically questionable and does not conform to standard English. The preposition "by" typically denotes means or proximity, which doesn't logically align with the action of snacking.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by snack" is grammatically questionable and rarely used in standard English. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment, pointing out that it doesn't conform to typical prepositional usage. While sources like The New York Times and The Guardian provide examples, these instances don't validate the phrase's correctness. More appropriate and common alternatives include "with a snack", "while snacking", or "during snack time", which more clearly convey the intended meaning of consuming a snack in conjunction with another activity. Because of its awkwardness, it is best to avoid the usage of "by snack".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with a snack

Replaces "by" with "with" to indicate accompaniment or association.

while snacking

Uses the gerund form of "snack" to indicate an action being performed.

during a snack

Emphasizes the timing of an event in relation to snack consumption.

accompanied by snacks

Highlights the snacks as an accompaniment to something else.

surrounded by snacks

Focuses on being enclosed or having snacks nearby.

fueled by snacks

Indicates that snacks are providing energy or motivation.

eating a snack

Directly describes the act of consuming a snack.

having a snack

A more general way of expressing the act of consuming a snack.

consuming a snack

A more formal way of saying "eating a snack".

replacing with a snack

Indicates the substitution of something else with a snack.

FAQs

What is the correct way to use "snack" as a preposition?

It is more common and grammatically sound to use prepositions like "with" or "during" in relation to snacks. For example, "with a snack" or "during snack time" are preferable to "by snack".

What prepositions can I use with the word "snack"?

Common prepositions used with "snack" include "with", as in "I had coffee "with a snack"", and "for", as in "This is a snack "for later"".

How can I rephrase a sentence that includes "by snack" to make it grammatically correct?

Replace "by snack" with phrases like "while snacking", ""with a snack"", or "during snack time", depending on the context.

Is "by snack" ever considered correct in any context?

While exceedingly rare, "by snack" could potentially be used if "snack" functions as a means or method, but this is uncommon and often better expressed with alternative phrasing.