snoop on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "snoop on" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to secretly observe or gather information about someone or something without their knowledge or permission. Example: He caught his roommate trying to snoop on his laptop while he was away.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We would encourage authoritarian countries to snoop on their citizens.

The Guardian

The authorities' powers to snoop on American citizens were vastly increased.

The Economist

They planned to let bureaucrats snoop on peoples' phone and email conversations.

The Guardian

For security expert Prof Alan Woodward, the idea that the authorities can routinely snoop on internet traffic is nothing new.

BBC

Couples do not snoop on one another because they are unethical monsters.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I'm not saying corporations don't snoop on one another from time to time.

Forbes

Can employers snoop on you?

The Times

Powell The operation to snoop on the Greek UN mission.

The Guardian

It can snoop on anyone, and frequently does.

The Guardian

Some programs are designed to snoop on the user.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

If somebody managed to intercept those messages, it was pretty trivial to snoop on them.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider that "snoop on" implies a deliberate act of intrusion. Reserve this term for situations where there's a clear intent to uncover hidden information, rather than accidental observation.

Common error

Avoid using "snoop on" when describing casual observation or checking in on someone with permission. The phrase carries a strong connotation of privacy violation, making it unsuitable for benign or authorized monitoring.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "snoop on" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of secretly watching or gathering information about someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage, reflected in numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "snoop on" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that signifies secretly observing or gathering information about someone or something. Ludwig AI validates its widespread use across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. It generally carries a neutral to informal tone, typically conveying disapproval of the intrusive act. Alternatives include ""spy on"", "eavesdrop on", and ""pry into"", each with subtle differences in meaning and intensity. When using "snoop on", consider the level of intrusion implied and ensure it aligns with the context of your writing to avoid misrepresenting the situation. Remember that the phrase carries a strong connotation of privacy violation, which should align with your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spy on

This alternative is a direct synonym, often used in more serious or official contexts.

eavesdrop on

This refers specifically to listening secretly to a conversation.

secretly observe

This is a more formal and neutral way to describe the action of watching someone without their knowledge.

pry into

This suggests a more intrusive and unwelcome investigation into someone's affairs.

poke around in

Suggests aimless or casual secret investigation.

check up on

It is a gentler way to describe monitoring someone's activities, often used in a protective or caring context.

investigate secretly

Highlights the covert nature of the investigation, suitable for formal contexts.

monitor surreptitiously

Emphasizes the act of watching someone without their awareness.

shadow

Implies physically following someone to observe their actions.

dig for information about

This emphasizes the effort involved in uncovering hidden details.

FAQs

How can I use "snoop on" in a sentence?

You can use "snoop on" to describe secretly watching or gathering information about someone, as in, "He caught his roommate trying to "snoop on" his laptop while he was away".

What's a less accusatory way to say "snoop on"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "check up on" or "observe" if the intention isn't necessarily malicious but simply involves monitoring.

Which is correct, "snoop on" or "snoop at"?

"Snoop on" is the correct phrasal verb. "Snoop at" is not standard English.

When is it appropriate to use the term "snoop on"?

It's appropriate when describing actions that are secretive, unauthorized, and involve an attempt to gather information that is considered private. For example, governments might "spy on" citizens, or individuals might "pry into" their neighbor's affairs.