What are the definitions of “snitch on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Divulge secrets, inform authorities about someone.
Reggie was caught after someone SNITCHED ON him to the teacher.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “snitch on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb snitch on is to tell someone's secrets or report someone's bad behavior to an authority figure, like a teacher, parent, or boss. This is often seen as a negative action, as the person who snitches may be seen as untrustworthy or disloyal.
What are the different verb forms of “snitch on”?
| Root Verb | snitch on |
| Third Person Singular Present | snitches on |
| Present Participle | snitching on |
| Simple Past | snitched on |
| Past Participle | snitched on |
Example
I can't believe you would snitch on your own brother!
Example
She always snitches on her classmates when they break the rules.
Example
He is snitching on his coworker for stealing office supplies.
Example
They snitched on their friend for cheating on the test.
Example
He felt guilty after he had snitched on his sister.
What kind of phrasal verb is “snitch on”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“snitch on” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She snitched on her friend for skipping class.
Example
He snitched on his coworker for stealing money.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“snitch on” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She snitched on her friend for skipping class.
Example
He snitched on his coworker for stealing money.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “snitch on”?
Snitch
A person who informs on someone else, often seen as disloyal or untrustworthy.
Example
Nobody likes a snitch; they can't be trusted to keep secrets.
Snitching
The act of informing on someone or revealing their secrets.
Example
He was accused of snitching when the teacher found out about the prank.
Snitch on someone to someone
Informing a specific person about someone else's actions.
Example
She snitched on her brother to their parents when he broke curfew.
Good things to know
Does “snitch on” have an informal or formal tone?
Snitch on is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations or slang. It is not appropriate for formal settings or professional communication. In more formal contexts, alternatives like 'inform on' or 'report' can be used.
