Grammar choices
Sneaked vs. Snuck
Sneaked and snuck are both past forms of sneak. Sneaked is the older, traditional form. Snuck is now standard in American English and very common, though some formal style guides still prefer sneaked.
| Word | Part of speech | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| sneaked | verb | the traditional past tense and past participle of sneak, to move or act quietly and secretly |
| snuck | verb | a newer past tense and past participle of sneak, now standard in American English |
Sneaked
verb: the traditional past tense and past participle of sneak, to move or act quietly and secretly
- The cat sneaked into the closet while we were packing.
- Ben sneaked a cookie before dinner.
Snuck
verb: a newer past tense and past participle of sneak, now standard in American English
- We snuck into the back row after the movie started.
- Somehow a typo snuck into the final draft.
How to remember the difference
Sneaked follows the regular -ed pattern, like peeked and leaked. Snuck follows stuck and struck. For a strict editor or a formal paper, sneaked is the safe pick.
Good to know
Snuck first appeared in American English in the 1800s and is now about as common as sneaked in American speech and writing. Some stylebooks still label snuck informal, so check your guide for formal work. British writers use sneaked more often.
Spot the mistake
The puppy
snuckedsnuck under the fence again.Correct: The puppy snuck under the fence again.
We
sneekedsneaked out early to beat the traffic.Correct: We sneaked out early to beat the traffic.
Check yourself
Pick the word that fits each sentence.
1. In a formal report, use the traditional form: the cat into the pantry at night.
Answer: sneaked. Sneaked is the traditional form that strict style guides prefer in formal writing.
2. Use the form that rhymes with stuck: my brother the last slice of pie.
Answer: snuck. Snuck rhymes with stuck and is standard in everyday American English.