i stole from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I stole from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when admitting to taking something unlawfully or without permission from someone or somewhere. Example: "I stole from the local store when I was younger, and I regret it deeply."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I stole from Woolworth's".

The New Yorker

So I stole from Messiaen.

The Guardian - Music

"I stole from my friends.

The Guardian - Music

"I stole from all those guys," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

So this is a slide actually that I stole from Tommy at one point.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Years later, when I played Hamlet myself, I stole from Stacy outrageously.

The New York Times

"I spent the money I stole from them frivolously," she says.

The Guardian

There's some poetry in it – some poems I stole from myself.

The Guardian - Books

It was the last piece of beauty I stole from that place, but not the only one.

University of Pennsylvania

I loved the dirty ashtray I stole from the housekeeping trolley outside his hotel room after a concert in 1984.

The New York Times - Books

This time I'm trying to make ours an original love story instead of one I stole from the movies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "i stole from", be mindful of the ethical and legal implications of the act. Ensure clarity about what was taken and from whom.

Common error

Avoid using "stole" when "borrowed" or "took inspiration" is more accurate. "Stole" implies an unethical or illegal act, while borrowing or inspiration does not.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i stole from" functions as a verb phrase, where "stole" is the past tense of the verb "steal" and "from" is a preposition indicating the source from which something was taken. The examples provided by Ludwig, show its usage in various narrative and confessional contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "i stole from" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that conveys the act of taking something without permission. As shown by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news and media, academia, and other contexts. While the phrase itself is straightforward, it carries strong ethical and legal implications. When writing, it is crucial to be precise about the intent and context, considering alternatives like "took from" or "borrowed" if the situation warrants a less accusatory tone. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English. Remember to always use "stole" when accurately describing the act, but avoid it when a more nuanced or less accusatory description is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i took from

Implies a more general act of taking, without necessarily implying illegality or secrecy.

i lifted from

A more informal way of saying that something was copied or taken, often lightly.

i borrowed from without asking

Specifies the act of taking something without permission, focusing on the lack of consent.

i pilfered from

Suggests stealing small items of little value, often in a sneaky or underhanded way.

i plagiarized from

Specifically refers to taking ideas or words from someone else and presenting them as one's own.

i poached from

Implies taking something, often talent or resources, from another source, sometimes unfairly.

i appropriated from

Suggests taking something for one's own use, often in a cultural or artistic context.

i drew inspiration from

Indicates that something served as a creative stimulus, although it can suggest the line between inspiration and stealing is not being clear.

i embezzled from

Refers specifically to the act of illegally taking money or property that has been entrusted to one's care.

i shoplifted from

Specifies the act of stealing goods from a store while posing as a customer.

FAQs

How can I use "i stole from" in a sentence?

You can use "i stole from" when admitting to taking something unlawfully or without permission. For example, "I stole from the local store when I was younger."

What's a less accusatory way to say "i stole from"?

You could use phrases like "i took from", "i borrowed from", or "i was inspired by" depending on the context and intent.

Is it always wrong to say "i stole from"?

The phrase itself isn't grammatically wrong, but it implies a morally questionable action. Whether it's "wrong" depends on the context and whether the act of stealing was justified or excusable.

What is the difference between "i stole from" and "i was inspired by"?

"I stole from" indicates taking something directly without permission, while "i was inspired by" suggests that something served as a creative stimulus, not necessarily involving direct copying.