snag

USAGE SUMMARY

"snag" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used as a noun or a verb. Noun: "There were some snags in the process, but we were able to work them out." Verb: "We managed to snag a few extra tickets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Arrive early to snag an outdoor table, then order a selection of small plates to share, including the moreish Victorian buffalo mozzarella with charred kale, smoked walnuts and black garlic.

The Guardian - Travel

The deal had hit a late snag over agents' fees on Tuesday but Villa have confirmed their first January capture.

The Guardian - Sport

China's rising tech star Xiaomi has hit a snag in its plan to challenge Apple and Samsung.

The Guardian - Tech

Customers will also get the chance to buy and download singles from forthcoming albums when they are played on the radio.A snag with many of the existing websites offering copyrighted music is the narrowness of their repertoire.

The Economist

The snag is that 5% of the shares in those subsidiaries are owned by minority shareholders.

The Economist

One snag is that it encompasses the very maturity at which their governments already find it easiest to borrow.

The Economist

For even $200 billion is not an outrageous amount of money when spread over 20 or 30 years by an industry with revenues of over $250 billion.The snag is politics: America's half-baked attempt at deregulation has drained the industry of all incentives for grid investment.

The Economist

There is a snag.

The Economist

The snag is that even if it seemed briefly possible after the fall of Mr Hussein to impose a friendly strongman in his place, that looks out of the question now.

The Economist

(Most neutrino detectors are deep underground to shield them from cosmic rays, which can cause similar signals).However, as other experiments, in particular those looking for neutrinos in the physical reactions which power the sun, strove to replicate Reines's and Cowan's result, they hit a snag.

The Economist

They should be prepared to raise interest rates in response to clear evidence of financial imbalance even if this leads them to undershoot their targets for inflation.The snag is that in contrast to a simple inflation target, such a framework will make policy less transparent and a central bank may find it harder to explain its interest-rate decisions.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "snag" in writing, consider the context to ensure the intended meaning is clear. It can refer to a minor problem or the act of quickly obtaining something. Choose a synonym if greater precision is needed.

Common error

While "snag" is versatile, avoid overusing it in formal or professional writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated vocabulary, such as "obstacle" or "acquire", to maintain a polished and professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "snag" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a problem or difficulty. It also serves as a verb, meaning to obtain something quickly or to catch on a sharp object. Ludwig showcases both usages, supporting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "snag" is a versatile word that functions as both a noun and a verb, commonly used to describe a problem or difficulty, or the act of obtaining something quickly. As per Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable word. While frequently found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, its informality suggests caution in highly formal writing, where alternatives like "obstacle" or "acquire" might be more appropriate. The choice depends on the intended tone and context. Remember to choose more specific synonyms for better precision. Ludwig's examples showcase its diverse applications, helping users understand its nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encounter a problem

Replaces "snag" with a more formal term for experiencing an issue.

face a difficulty

Similar to encountering a problem but highlights the challenging aspect.

hit a roadblock

Uses a metaphorical term to describe an obstacle encountered.

run into a hurdle

Similar to hitting a roadblock, emphasizing the need to overcome the obstacle.

secure quickly

Focuses on the act of obtaining something rapidly, as in "snagging" a deal.

grab quickly

Informal way of saying to obtain something quickly.

get hold of

A more general way of saying to obtain something.

acquire rapidly

Formal alternative to grab quickly.

slight impediment

Expresses the presence of a minor obstacle or hindrance.

minor setback

Indicates a temporary delay or reversal in progress.

FAQs

How can I use "snag" in a sentence?

You can use "snag" to describe obtaining something quickly, as in "I managed to "snag" the last ticket". It can also refer to an unexpected problem or difficulty, such as "There was a "snag" in the negotiations".

What words can I use instead of "snag"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "problem", "difficulty", "secure quickly", or "grab quickly".

Is it correct to use "snag" in formal writing?

While "snag" is a valid word, it is often considered informal. In formal writing, it's better to use more precise alternatives such as "obstacle" or "acquire".

What's the difference between "snag" and "hitch"?

Both "snag" and "hitch" refer to unexpected problems, but "snag" can also refer to obtaining something quickly. "Hitch" generally only refers to difficulties or temporary obstacles.