sneak around

USAGE SUMMARY

'sneak around' is a valid phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate a situation where someone avoids detection by being stealthy or sneaking around. Example sentence: The young boy had to sneak around the house to avoid being seen by his parents.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Why did they sneak around?

The New Yorker

The need to sneak around is long gone.

The New York Times

"I didn't want to sneak around and sleep with him on the side.

The New York Times

Rather than hit you between the eyes, his work tends to sneak around behind.

The New York Times - Arts

It's like sport: The farmers sneak around and fill each other's rain gauges.

The New York Times

I used to sneak around and check out all these films.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

You want to think that premeditated death does not sneak around, that suicidal impulses are not easy to miss.

The New York Times

"Kids these days don't know how to sneak around," said my friend Jessy.

TechCrunch

We had to sneak around".

Huffington Post

"I'd sneak around and set traps when he was out of town".

Los Angeles Times

They can sneak around at night and do a lot of damage when no one's looking.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sneak around", consider the context and ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning of avoiding detection or acting secretively. The phrase is often used in situations where someone is trying to hide their actions or presence.

Common error

While "sneak around" is a common phrase, overuse in formal writing can make your writing sound less sophisticated. In professional or academic contexts, consider more formal alternatives like "act covertly" or "proceed stealthily".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sneak around" is as a phrasal verb. It combines the verb 'sneak' with the particle 'around' to create a new meaning, indicating movement or behavior that is secretive or stealthy. According to Ludwig, this is a valid English phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

21%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sneak around" is a commonly used phrasal verb that describes acting or moving secretively to avoid detection. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in English writing, marking it as grammatically correct and frequently employed. Although versatile, it leans towards a neutral to informal register, suggesting that while appropriate for everyday conversation and news articles, more formal synonyms might be preferable in academic or professional settings. When you want to convey stealth and secrecy, "sneak around" is a suitable choice, provided the context aligns with its level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

move furtively

Focuses on the manner of movement, emphasizing stealth and secrecy.

act covertly

Emphasizes the hidden nature of actions, often implying a plan or scheme.

proceed stealthily

Highlights the quiet and careful manner of progression.

skulk about

Suggests a lurking or suspicious presence.

prowl around

Implies searching or hunting in a secretive way.

creep around

Conveys a slow, quiet, and often cautious movement.

tiptoe around

Emphasizes careful and quiet steps to avoid making noise.

sidle up to

Suggests approaching someone or something indirectly or cautiously.

circumnavigate the issue

Refers to avoiding a problem rather than confronting it directly.

evade detection

Focuses on avoiding being noticed or discovered.

FAQs

How can I use "sneak around" in a sentence?

You can use "sneak around" to describe someone moving secretly to avoid being seen or heard. For example, "The children tried to sneak around the kitchen to get cookies without their mother noticing."

What does it mean to "sneak around"?

To "sneak around" means to move or act in a secretive or furtive manner, typically to avoid being detected or caught.

What are some alternatives to "sneak around"?

Some alternatives to "sneak around" include "move furtively", "act covertly", or "proceed stealthily". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "sneaking around" the same as "sneak around"?

"Sneaking around" is the gerund or present participle form of the verb phrase "sneak around". The meaning is the same, but the grammatical function differs. "Sneaking around" can act as a noun (gerund) or part of a continuous verb tense.