a steal

USAGE SUMMARY

"a steal" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is a very good deal or bargain, often at a price that is much lower than expected. Example: "I couldn't believe it when I found this designer handbag for only $50 at the thrift store. It was such a steal!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a steal".

The New York Times

A steal is a steal.

The New York Times

We didn't get a steal".

The New Yorker

Says, "It's a steal".

The New Yorker

That looks a steal.

The Guardian - Sport

A steal at £32m.

The Guardian - Sport

When we need a steal, I'll get a steal.

The New York Times - Sports

The Majestic price is a steal.

Independent

"It's a steal," said the chief.

The New York Times

He converted a steal into a layup.

The New York Times

I am looking for a steal".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a steal" to emphasize the surprisingly low price or exceptional value of something, making sure the context clearly indicates a positive assessment of the deal.

Common error

Avoid using "a steal" when referring to actual theft or illegal activity. The phrase should only be used in the context of a great bargain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a steal" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a predicate nominative or adjective complement. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it describes something of unexpectedly good value or a bargain, highlighting the advantageous nature of the deal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a steal" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe something that is an exceptionally good bargain. As Ludwig AI confirms, it conveys that an item or opportunity is available at a surprisingly low price. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase signals a positive assessment of value, although it is less frequent in formal or academic writing. Related phrases include "a bargain" and "a great deal", offering similar shades of meaning. When using "a steal", ensure the context clearly reflects a positive evaluation of price or value to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bargain

Direct synonym, emphasizing the good price.

a great deal

Highlights the advantageous nature of the offer.

a good buy

Focuses on the positive purchasing aspect.

a real find

Emphasizes the rarity and unexpectedness of the value.

an amazing value

Highlights the high worth relative to the cost.

dirt cheap

Indicates an extremely low price.

a giveaway

Suggests the item is being offered at a minimal cost.

a wise investment

Focuses on the long-term benefits and returns.

worth every penny

Expresses satisfaction that the item is appropriately priced

a lucky break

Highlights the element of chance and good fortune in obtaining the item.

FAQs

How can I use "a steal" in a sentence?

You can use "a steal" to describe something that is surprisingly inexpensive or a great value. For example, "This vintage dress was "a steal" at only $20."

What's the difference between "a steal" and "a bargain"?

Both phrases indicate a good price, but "a steal" often implies an even more significant price reduction or exceptional value than "a bargain".

What are some alternatives to saying "a steal"?

Alternatives include "a great deal", "a bargain", or "an amazing value", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a steal" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "a steal" is more common in informal contexts. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "an exceptional value" or "a cost-effective option".