snatch

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'snatch' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word 'snatch' as a verb to describe the action of quickly taking or grabbing something, or as a noun to describe a small amount of something. For example, "He grabbed a quick snatch of the food before it was all gone" or "She grabbed a snatch of the conversation as she walked by".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Probably the most daring of all of the great escapes from La Santé was that of Michel Vaujour in 1986, whose wife, Nadine, swooped into the courtyard to snatch him up in a helicopter she was piloting.

The Guardian

This video shows an innocent man at a bus stop, holding a takeaway pizza box, when a group of men drive by and snatch it from his hands.

The Guardian

Supt Treble said Field's past pattern of offending was unusual in that he had been prepared to take on two victims at once when he tried to snatch the two teenage boys in 1984.

The Guardian

They just knock at the door and as soon as a man shows up they snatch him.

The Guardian

Gray bundled in his 15th goal of the season six minutes from time to snatch victory.

The Guardian - Sport

All of the big players were in the shake-up, but Nibali took advantage of their hesitation to snatch the stage - and the yellow jersey.

The Guardian - Sport

"They seem focused on wild prey – I've seen them overfly a whole field of lambs and go for a greylag goose or snatch a rabbit caught by a buzzard".

The Guardian

Beyoncé's major triumph was not to release an album with no marketing, nor even to tap the "no marketing angle as a marketing angle" angle, but – to employ the favoured imagery of many Beyoncé fans – to snatch the wig of victory from the scalp of defeat.

The Guardian - Music

But the game was turned on its head when West Coast kicked four quick goals to snatch the lead midway through the last quarter.

The Guardian - Sport

Carlton had two late goalscoring chances to snatch a win through Zac Tuohy and Bryce Gibbs.

The Guardian - Sport

We rarely get breaks; you may try to snatch lunch, get a coffee and a rest in the 14 minutes between passing a patient on to the hospital and leaving.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "snatch" to describe a physical action, ensure the context clarifies whether it's a subtle or forceful movement. This avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "snatch" in highly formal or professional documents where a more sophisticated or nuanced verb might be appropriate. Consider alternatives like "secure", "obtain", or "capture" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "snatch" functions primarily as a verb indicating a quick or forceful grabbing action. As a noun, it refers to a quick grab or a small amount of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, as showcased in its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

25%

General

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "snatch" is a versatile term used both as a verb and a noun, primarily to describe a quick or forceful grabbing action. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and widespread usability. While common in news and sports contexts, its formality varies, making it less suitable for academic writing. Related terms include "grab swiftly" or "seize quickly". Remember to consider the context and formality level when choosing to use "snatch" in your writing to ensure clarity and appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seize quickly

Emphasizes speed and decisiveness in taking something.

grab swiftly

Highlights the speed and forcefulness of the grabbing action.

pluck rapidly

Suggests a quick and nimble removal of something.

capture abruptly

Focuses on the suddenness and unexpected nature of the capture.

jerk away

Implies a sudden and forceful pulling or removal.

wrest control

Suggests a struggle or competition to gain control quickly.

rip off

Implies tearing or forcefully removing something, often illegally.

extract hastily

Focuses on the hurried removal of something.

appropriate quickly

Suggests taking possession of something rapidly and perhaps opportunistically.

requisition rapidly

Focuses on the formal or official taking of something quickly.

FAQs

How can I use "snatch" in a sentence?

You can use "snatch" as a verb to mean to quickly seize something, as in, "He tried to "snatch" the keys from her hand". It can also be used as a noun, referring to a quick grab or a small amount, for example, "She grabbed a quick "snatch" of sleep".

What words are similar to "snatch"?

Alternatives to "snatch" include "grab", "seize", "capture", and "pluck", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "snatch" in formal writing?

While "snatch" is a valid word, it may not always be appropriate for formal writing. In such contexts, consider using more formal alternatives like "obtain" or "secure".

What is the difference between "snatch" and "steal"?

"Snatch" implies a quick, often forceful grab, while "steal" generally refers to taking something without permission, often in a more covert or planned manner. "Snatch" emphasizes the speed and suddenness of the action.