Phrasal verb
snap at
Definition
phrasal verb. to speak to someone in a sudden, angry, or impatient way. You often do this when you are tired or stressed.
phrasal verb. to speak to someone sharply or irritably, typically without warning. The verb is transitive and requires the preposition 'at' to link to the person being addressed.
Examples
“I'm sorry I snapped at you earlier; I was just tired.”
“The manager was so stressed about the deadline that he snapped at his assistant for a minor mistake.”
“Exhausted by the relentless questioning, the witness finally snapped at the prosecutor, demanding to be left in peace.”
Examples
simple
“I'm sorry I snapped at you earlier; I was just tired.”
contextual
“The manager was so stressed about the deadline that he snapped at his assistant for a minor mistake.”
complex
“Exhausted by the relentless questioning, the witness finally snapped at the prosecutor, demanding to be left in peace.”
Usage
usually directed at a person; the tone is sharp and brief rather than a long argument.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'yell at' (loudness) and 'scold' (authority/length); 'snap at' emphasizes the suddenness and the speaker's loss of patience.
Pitfall
He snapped to me because he was angry.
He snapped at me because he was angry.
the verb 'snap' requires the preposition 'at' when directed toward a person.
Phrasal verb
Particles
at
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
snap + at + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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