English Reference

Phrasal verb

snap off

Definition

phrasal verb. to break a piece away from something quickly and suddenly, often with a loud sound.

phrasal verb. to break a part from a whole using sudden force, typically resulting in a clean or brittle fracture. Transitive when an object is removed, or intransitive when the part itself breaks away.

Examples

“You can snap off a piece of chocolate to share.”

“The wind was so strong that it caused several dry branches to snap off the old oak tree.”

“The brittle plastic handle snapped off under the pressure, rendering the entire mechanism useless until a replacement could be sourced.”

Examples

simple

“You can snap off a piece of chocolate to share.”

contextual

“The wind was so strong that it caused several dry branches to snap off the old oak tree.”

complex

“The brittle plastic handle snapped off under the pressure, rendering the entire mechanism useless until a replacement could be sourced.”

Usage

often implies the material is hard or brittle, like wood, plastic, or dry food.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'break off', which is more general; 'snap' specifically emphasizes the speed and the sharp sound of the break.

Phrasal verb

Particles

off

Separability

optional

Pattern

snap + off + object

Synonyms

break offdetachcrack off

Antonyms

attachjoinfix

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

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

QR code

englishreference.com/q/snap-off
English Reference