English Reference

Phrasal verb

snap up

Definition

phrasal verb. to buy or take something very quickly because it is a great deal or exactly what you want.

phrasal verb. to acquire something immediately and eagerly, typically because the item is in short supply or offered at a competitive price. Transitive and often used in the context of commercial transactions or recruitment.

Examples

“Shoppers snap up the best deals within minutes.”

“As soon as the tickets went on sale, fans snapped them up, and the concert sold out in seconds.”

“The tech giant was quick to snap up the promising startup before any of its competitors could even submit a formal bid.”

Examples

simple

“Shoppers snap up the best deals within minutes.”

contextual

“As soon as the tickets went on sale, fans snapped them up, and the concert sold out in seconds.”

complex

“The tech giant was quick to snap up the promising startup before any of its competitors could even submit a formal bid.”

Usage

usually takes a physical object or a person (like a talented employee) as its direct object.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'buy' to show the speed and eagerness involved; the verb 'snap' mimics the sound of a quick, sharp movement, helping students visualize the speed of the action.

Pitfall

The tickets were snapped up them quickly.

The tickets were snapped up quickly.

in passive voice, the object 'tickets' moves to the subject position, so the pronoun 'them' must be removed.

Phrasal verb

Particles

up

Separability

optional

Pattern

snap + object + up

Synonyms

grabseizebuy uppounce on

Antonyms

ignorerejectpass over

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

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English Reference