I stole it

USAGE SUMMARY

"I stole it" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you took something without permission or in a way that is not allowed. For example: "Yesterday I stole my sister's candy, even though I knew I shouldn't."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The banner has long since disappeared (okay, I stole it early one morning) but I still think about its message.

Forbes

"So I stole it".

The New York Times

I ride it like I stole it".

The New York Times

I stole it from Reddit.

The Guardian - Sport

Bill and I stole it weeks ago.

The New York Times

It's not like I stole it.

The New York Times

I stole it from James Wright, the poet.

The New York Times - Arts

That was my sausage — I stole it from the miller.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Did I steal it?

The New Yorker

2. How can I steal it?

The New York Times

"I steal it from her every chance I get".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I stole it", be mindful of the context. The phrase can range from humorous self-deprecation to a serious admission of wrongdoing. Ensure your tone matches the intended message.

Common error

Avoid using "I stole it" lightly when the action has significant consequences. Using softer terms like "borrowed" or "took" can downplay the severity of the situation and misrepresent the truth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I stole it" functions as an independent clause expressing a direct admission of theft. Ludwig AI confirms this is a grammatically correct and usable phrase. It's a declarative statement where the subject "I" admits to the action of stealing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I stole it" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to admit the act of stealing. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's suitable for various contexts, but primarily appears in news and media. The phrase's register ranges from neutral to informal, making it important to consider the tone and implications when using it. While direct and clear, it's crucial to avoid downplaying the seriousness of theft, especially in formal situations. Alternatives like "I took it without permission" or "I appropriated it" can provide a more nuanced or formal way to express the same idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I pilfered it

Implies a less serious form of stealing, often something of little value. Slightly more formal than "stole".

I lifted it

A more colloquial way of saying "stole it", implying a quick or skillful act.

I swiped it

Informal and implies a quick, opportunistic act of stealing.

I made off with it

Suggests a successful theft, often implying escape or elusiveness.

I snatched it

Suggests a sudden and forceful act of stealing.

I took it without permission

More formal and direct, avoids the word "stole" but admits the action.

I purloined it

A somewhat old-fashioned or humorous way of saying "stole it".

I appropriated it

Suggests taking something for one's own use, potentially without full right but not necessarily illegal. More formal.

I acquired it unlawfully

Formal and legalistic, emphasizing the illegal nature of obtaining the item.

I embezzled it

Implies stealing something that was entrusted to you, typically money.

FAQs

How can I use "I stole it" in a sentence?

You can use "I stole it" when admitting to taking something without permission. For example: "I needed the information, so "I stole it" from the company files."

What can I say instead of "I stole it"?

Alternatives to "I stole it" include "I took it without permission", "I pilfered it", or "I swiped it", depending on the context and severity of the situation.

Is it appropriate to use "I stole it" in formal writing?

Generally, no. "I stole it" is informal. In formal writing, it's better to use more precise and less colloquial language, such as "I acquired it unlawfully" or "I took it without authorization".

What's the difference between "I borrowed it" and "I stole it"?

"I borrowed it" implies taking something with the intention of returning it, while "I stole it" implies taking something with no intention of returning it and without permission. If you intend to give it back, you can say "I borrowed it".