The Oxford English Dictionary and Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of English Usage both list “sneaked” and “snuck” as modern English words. Both appear in standard British and American usage, and both can be heard in English-speaking countries throughout the world—including Canada, New Zealand, Belize, Malaysia, and Australia. If you’re concerned about using the verb appropriately—particularly in formal writing—use the traditional verb form “sneaked.” While “snuck” is a perfectly acceptable synonym, it is the newer and therefore nonstandard past tense of “sneak.”
If you’re concerned about using the verb appropriately—particularly in formal writing—use the traditional verb form “sneaked.” While “snuck” is a perfectly acceptable synonym, it is the newer and therefore nonstandard past tense of “sneak.”