he stole

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "He stole" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about an individual taking something without permission. Example: "He stole a pair of shoes from the store yesterday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He stole.

The New York Times

"He stole our idea".

The New York Times

"Instead, he stole money.

The New York Times

He stole from tourists.

The New Yorker

He stole honest.

The New Yorker

"He stole us one.

The New York Times - Sports

Occasionally, he stole books.

The New Yorker

He stole a base.

The New Yorker

He stole a vehicle, yes.

The New York Times

He stole my car.

The New York Times

He stole my heart".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he stole", ensure the context clearly indicates what was stolen and from whom or where. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "he stole" too broadly. Be specific about the item or abstract concept stolen to maintain clarity and prevent misinterpretations. For example, instead of just saying "he stole", specify "he stole the idea" or "he stole the money".

Linguistic Context

"He stole" functions as a declarative statement asserting that a male person committed an act of theft. It consists of a subject pronoun ("he") and the past tense form of the verb "steal". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is both grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he stole" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to indicate that a male individual has committed theft. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. While versatile, it's crucial to provide context to ensure clarity about what was stolen. As evidenced by the numerous examples, its primary domain is in news and media, conveying factual information about theft. For more nuanced expressions of theft, alternatives like "he pilfered" or "he embezzled funds" can be used to specify the nature of the act.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he pilfered

Emphasizes petty theft or stealing small items.

he swiped

An informal way to say someone quickly or casually stole something.

he shoplifted

Refers specifically to stealing from a store while posing as a customer.

he robbed

Refers to stealing, often by force or threat of force.

he embezzled funds

Specifically refers to the misappropriation of funds, often in a business context.

he misappropriated

Suggests the misuse of something entrusted to one's care.

he took without permission

A more formal and less direct way of saying someone stole something.

he defrauded

Implies stealing through deceit or trickery.

he burgled

Specifically refers to breaking into a building with the intent to steal.

he unlawfully obtained

Highlights the illegality of the act of acquiring something.

FAQs

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

You can use "he stole" to describe someone taking something without permission, such as "He stole the car" or "He stole my heart".

What are some alternatives to saying "he stole"?

Alternatives include "he pilfered", "he embezzled funds", or "he shoplifted" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "he stealed" instead of "he stole"?

No, "he stealed" is grammatically incorrect. The correct past tense form of "steal" is "he stole".

What is the difference between "he stole" and "he robbed"?

"He stole" generally refers to taking something without permission, while "he robbed" often implies the use of force or threat during the theft.