he pilfered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he pilfered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone stealing or taking something, typically in a small or petty manner. Example: "He pilfered a few coins from the donation box when no one was looking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

He pilfered the name from a French porn actress.

The New York Times

He pilfered a pair of sunglasses and made a clammy attempt at being ingratiating.

The New Yorker

Mr. Long was never caught, he said, but it had been a decade since he pilfered the system.

The New York Times

Mr. Long [a reformed turnstile-jumper] was never caught, he said, but it had been a decade since he pilfered the system.

The New York Times

"Less is more," Mr. Heuvel, the artist, said in a recent telephone conversation, acknowledging that he pilfered liberally from Tintin's inventor, Hergé.

The New York Times - Books

A corporate fugitive, he fled Wal-Mart's home state of Arkansas and has not returned because a state judge has ordered he be arrested on sight and questioned under oath about whether he pilfered documents.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Was he pilfering the seals for his own uses?

The New York Times

He keeps the "common purse" — the small fund that Jesus and the disciples used for their ministry — and he pilfers from it.

The New Yorker

Karime Macías's husband was once one of Mexico's most powerful men, but when he went missing in 2016 – amid accusations that he had pilfered millions of dollars of public funds – it seemed her life of Riley had come to an end.

The Guardian

Within a few years, accusations that he had pilfered nearly $1m in state money forced Taylor to flee to America, where he shuttled between New Jersey, Staten Island and Boston.

The Guardian

They contained what Regan believed to be the most sensitive of all the secrets he had pilfered.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he pilfered" when you want to suggest a sneaky or petty theft, rather than a grand or violent robbery. It adds a specific nuance to the act of stealing.

Common error

Avoid using "he pilfered" in contexts that involve significant financial crimes or violent thefts. The word implies a less serious, more opportunistic form of stealing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he pilfered" functions as a verb phrase, where "pilfered" is the past tense of the verb "pilfer". It describes an action performed by the subject "he", indicating that he has stolen something, typically of low value or in a sneaky manner. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he pilfered" is a grammatically correct way to describe someone who has stolen something, generally of minor value and in a sneaky manner. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for conveying an act of theft. While alternatives like "he stole" are more common, "he pilfered" adds a nuanced layer, suggesting a less serious and more opportunistic act. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts. When choosing to use "he pilfered", consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and ensure it aligns with the overall tone and formality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he pilfered some items

Adds 'some items' to the original phrases to clarify the stolen object but still maintaining the original sense.

he stole

A more direct and common synonym for taking something without permission.

he swiped

Suggests a quick and casual act of stealing.

he lifted

A colloquial term for stealing, often used for smaller items.

he purloined

A more formal and somewhat archaic term for stealing.

he filched

Implies stealing something of small value in a sneaky manner.

he pocketed

Implies discreetly taking possession of something, often by putting it in one's pocket.

he misappropriated

Suggests taking something and using it for an unintended purpose, often illicitly.

he appropriated

Taking something for one’s own use, typically without the owner’s permission. Can sometime be more positive, but not in this context.

he embezzled

Specifically refers to stealing money or assets from a position of trust.

FAQs

How can I use "he pilfered" in a sentence?

Use "he pilfered" to describe someone who has stolen something of little value in a sneaky way. For example, "He pilfered a pen from the office supply closet."

What can I say instead of "he pilfered"?

You can use alternatives like "he stole", "he swiped", or "he lifted", depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "he pilfered" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "he pilfered" might sound somewhat informal or literary. In formal writing, consider using more neutral terms like "he stole" or "he misappropriated".

What's the difference between "he pilfered" and "he stole"?

"He stole" is a general term for taking something without permission. "He pilfered" implies a more minor, sneaky act of theft. The difference lies in the scale and manner of the taking.