Both snuck and sneaked are grammatically correct past tense forms of the verb "to sneak."
Understanding the Forms
The verb "sneak" has evolved to have two accepted past tense conjugations: one regular and one irregular. Both are widely used and understood in modern English.
- Sneaked: This is the traditional, regular past tense and past participle form of "sneak." It follows the standard pattern of adding "-ed" to the base verb for past tense conjugation.
- Snuck: This is an irregular past tense and past participle form. Its emergence and widespread acceptance mirror other irregular verbs like "strike" (struck) or "stick" (stuck), indicating a shift in common usage over time.
Both versions are appropriate for use in the simple past tense and the past perfect tense.
| Feature | Sneaked | Snuck |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Regular verb conjugation | Irregular verb conjugation |
| Formation | Base verb + "-ed" | Root vowel change |
| Acceptability | Fully acceptable, traditional | Fully acceptable, modern, widely used |
| Usage | Simple past, past perfect | Simple past, past perfect |
Usage and Acceptability
While "sneaked" has been the standard form historically, "snuck" has become incredibly common, especially in American English, and is now fully accepted by major dictionaries and grammar authorities. There is no significant difference in meaning or formality between the two when used correctly in context.
Many irregular verbs in English trace their origins to Old English strong verbs. While "sneak" was originally a weak (regular) verb, the influence of other irregular verbs with similar sounds may have contributed to the rise of "snuck."
Practical Examples
You can confidently use either form in your writing and speech:
- Using 'Sneaked':
- She sneaked out of the house without anyone noticing.
- The cat had sneaked into the kitchen and eaten the leftovers.
- He sneaked a glance at the answer sheet during the exam.
- Using 'Snuck':
- She snuck out of the house without anyone noticing.
- The cat had snuck into the kitchen and eaten the leftovers.
- He snuck a glance at the answer sheet during the exam.
Choosing Between Them
The choice between "sneaked" and "snuck" often comes down to personal preference or regional dialect. Both are considered correct and interchangeable in most contexts. Neither is inherently more formal or informal than the other in contemporary usage. When in doubt, or if you prefer adhering to the more traditional form, "sneaked" is always a safe bet. However, "snuck" will also be understood and accepted without issue by native English speakers.
For more information on verb conjugations in English, you can explore resources on English grammar rules.
