snatch it up

USAGE SUMMARY

"snatch it up" is a valid phrase in written English.
It is usually used when someone is encouraged to take advantage of a good opportunity or an impressive deal, or to take something quickly. For example: "The tickets for the concert are selling quickly, so if you want to get a good seat, you'd better snatch it up!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

* * * When the telephone rings, I snatch it up, thinking it will be S calling.

The New Yorker

I snatch it up and stow it under the chest plate of my wetsuit, and resume swimming.

The New York Times - Travel

It was right there, at my feet, and I paused only to snatch it up and jam it down the front of my pants, mud and all.

The New Yorker

"If there's anyone out there like me who wants this kind of a space, they're going to snatch it up," she said.

The New York Times

Flicking through, I felt a flash of recognition that drove me, flushed with shame, to snatch it up lest it disappear.

The Guardian - Books

The release of small batches of Pappy Van Winkle to bars and retailers each autumn is tracked by connoisseurs who snatch it up as soon as it hits shelves.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

With every frog, Griffith went through the same routine — snatching it up, swabbing its belly, photographing it.

The New Yorker

The early adopters snatched it up and Wired was on its way.

The New York Times - Books

Mrs. Merkel snatched it up.

The New York Times

After the third ring, he snatched it up.

The New Yorker

He snatches it up: "Can I tweet about you?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "snatch it up" when you want to convey a sense of urgency and opportunity. It's particularly effective when describing items that are in high demand or available for a limited time.

Common error

Avoid using "snatch it up" in overly formal or academic writing. While the phrase is widely understood, it can sound too informal or colloquial for certain professional settings. Instead, opt for more neutral alternatives such as "acquire" or "secure" for formal documents.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "snatch it up" functions primarily as a directive or descriptive expression, indicating the act of acquiring something quickly and eagerly. Ludwig's examples show it used both to advise taking advantage of an opportunity and to describe past actions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Travel

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "snatch it up" is a commonly used phrasal verb that encourages quick and decisive action, especially when faced with a desirable opportunity. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's essential to consider the context and audience when using this phrase, as it may be too informal for certain professional or academic settings. However, in news, travel writing, and general conversation, it's a perfectly acceptable and effective way to convey a sense of urgency and excitement. Remember to use this phrase when something is so good, you just have to "snatch it up" before someone else does!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

snap it up immediately

Adds urgency to the action of acquiring something.

grab it quickly

Emphasizes the speed of acquisition.

jump on it right away

Highlights the enthusiasm and immediacy of the action.

seize it rapidly

Highlights the decisiveness and quickness of taking something.

secure it swiftly

Highlights the act of making something secure through quick action.

pounce on it instantly

Conveys the idea of acting quickly and decisively to obtain something.

acquire it promptly

Focuses on acquiring something without delay.

obtain it without delay

Focuses on getting something in a timely manner.

rush to get it

Highlights the urgency and haste in acquiring something.

get it while it's available

Emphasizes the limited availability of the item.

FAQs

How can I use "snatch it up" in a sentence?

You can use "snatch it up" to describe quickly acquiring something, especially when there's a sense of urgency or limited availability. For example: "The limited edition prints are selling fast, so "snatch it up" before they're all gone."

What does "snatch it up" mean?

"Snatch it up" means to quickly and eagerly acquire something, often because it is desirable or available for a limited time. It implies a sense of urgency and opportunity.

What can I say instead of "snatch it up"?

You can use alternatives like "grab it quickly", "seize it rapidly", or "acquire it promptly" depending on the context.

Is "snatch it up" appropriate for formal writing?

While "snatch it up" is widely understood, it may be too informal for certain professional or academic contexts. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "acquire" or "secure" for formal documents.