do not steal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do not steal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to convey a moral or legal prohibition against theft. Example: "The sign clearly states, 'Do not steal,' reminding everyone of the importance of respecting others' property."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Do not steal except from Ronny.

The New Yorker

'No,' he replied, 'Spanish workmen do not steal.

The Guardian

And then, bold and underlined, "Please do not steal my joke.

The Guardian - Books

"Please do not steal from your grandchildren and leave us with a mess to deal with".

The New York Times - Magazine

There was "no sign saying 'please do not steal the computers,' " Richard Charkin of Macmillan Publishers wrote.

The New York Times - Tech

Opponents of the law have said it will merely create needless paperwork for the vast majority of employers who do not steal wages.

The New York Times

Most people do not steal because they believe that stealing is dishonest; a sentence imposed on a thief reinforces that view.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Opponents of the bill, which the Legislature passed largely along partisan lines, say it will simply create paperwork for employers who do not steal wages.

The New York Times

And it ended with, "Please do not steal our iPad".The main floor of the YU, a contemporary-arts centre that was once a laundry, was unguarded.

The Economist

THE INDIANS HAD FIVE PLAYERS hit at least 20 home runs this season, but they strike out a lot and do not steal many bases.

The New York Times

I make a mental note to self: do not steal from the Vatican or Alitalia.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "do not steal" in instructional materials, ensure clarity and provide specific examples relevant to the context to enhance understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "do not steal" in overly casual situations; instead, opt for softer alternatives like "please don't take" or "leave it be" to maintain a friendly tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not steal" functions primarily as an imperative, expressing a direct command or prohibition against the act of stealing. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a correct and usable phrase in written English, serving to convey a moral or legal prohibition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

59%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "do not steal" is a straightforward and commonly used imperative to prohibit theft. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. It appears frequently in news, media and wiki contexts, reflecting its common use in both formal and informal settings, although a more casual form like "don't steal" can also be used. When writing, consider the audience and context to choose the most appropriate tone, and be clear about what specific actions constitute stealing in that setting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refrain from stealing

Emphasizes self-control and conscious avoidance of stealing.

thou shalt not steal

Formal, biblical commandment against stealing.

theft is prohibited

Formal and direct prohibition of theft.

no stealing allowed

Informal prohibition, typically used in public notices.

it is wrong to steal

Focuses on the moral aspect of stealing.

stealing is unacceptable

Highlights the unacceptability of theft in a given context.

do not take what isn't yours

Highlights respect of ownership.

leave other people's property alone

Informal way to indicate avoiding theft.

respect personal property

Broader ethical guideline about respecting possessions.

honesty is the best policy

General moral principle advocating against dishonest actions, including stealing.

FAQs

How to use "do not steal" in a sentence?

You can use "do not steal" in sentences that clearly prohibit theft, such as "The sign reads, "do not steal" to remind customers to respect store property".

What can I say instead of "do not steal"?

You can use alternatives like "refrain from stealing", "theft is prohibited", or "no stealing allowed" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "do not steal" or "don't steal"?

"Do not steal" and "don't steal" are both correct, but "do not steal" is more formal while "don't steal" is more casual and commonly used in everyday conversation.

What's the difference between "do not steal" and "respect personal property"?

"Do not steal" is a direct command against theft, while "respect personal property" is a broader ethical guideline that includes not only avoiding theft, but also handling other people's belongings with care and consideration.