rob

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "rob" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used as a verb meaning to take something away from someone else by force or threat, either physically or electronically. Example: The robbers threatened to rob the bank if they didn't get the money they were after.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

There are gratuitous new restrictions on an already heavily curtailed right to strike, plans to rob the earnings of migrants who may work hard but lack the proper paperwork, and such a sweeping ban on legal highs that government lawyers could soon be fretting about accidentally criminalising sweets that give a sugar rush.

The Guardian - Opinion

No one likes to see a mechanical rob a rider of overall glory – but spare a though for Oscar Gatto, who had been the fastest man in the breakaway that rode away to victory in Forli and who was also the victim of a disastrously timed puncture that robbed him of a stage win.

The Guardian - Sport

Living in the area that he did, intelligent but brutally ambushed by fate, race, education and history, he had three choices: "I could deal drugs, rob or rap.

The Guardian - Music

On Tory MPs who are secretly hoping for Alex Salmond to triumph Thursday week, Trimble said: "They are privately wanting this not just because it would rob Labour of about 40 seats in the next House of Commons.

The Guardian

A switch away from the Tories by Express and Star readers might prove crucial enough to rob the Tories of victory.

The Guardian

I wanted to rob cripples and queers, I wanted to reclaim the joy of tragedy.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The facility was even unknown to Rob Warden, the founder of Northwestern University Law School's Center on Wrongful Convictions, until the Guardian informed him of the allegations of clients who vanish into inherently coercive police custody.

The Guardian

The recruitment of Rob Jones was a masterstroke worthy of a club that had a rich tradition of mining gems from the lower leagues.

The Guardian - Sport

"Taxpayers and ordinary bank workers will rightly view this as an act of contempt for the sacrifices they made since the financial crisis," said Rob Macgregor, national officer of the Unite union.

The Guardian - Business

The former Prime Minister Julia Gillard walks into the chamber for the first time as a backbencher to listen to Rob Oakeshott's valedictory speech in Parliament House.

The Guardian

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 1.16pm AEST04:16 Independent Rob Oakeshott says farewell to Canberra Crossbencher Rob Oakeshott has begun his farewell speech.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about theft, consider the context. Use "rob" when violence or threat is involved; otherwise, "steal" might be more appropriate. For instance, "He robbed the bank" implies a direct confrontation, while "He stole the money" is a more general statement.

Common error

Avoid using "rob" when you mean "steal from". "Rob" typically requires specifying the person or entity being deprived. For example, say "He robbed the bank", not "He robbed the money."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "rob" is as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object to complete its meaning. It describes the act of taking something from someone by force, threat, or illegal means. As Ludwig AI states, it's a correct and usable verb in written English, frequently found across various sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

25%

Music

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "rob" functions primarily as a transitive verb denoting the act of stealing, depriving or defrauding someone of something. It's crucial to use "rob" with a direct object, specifying who or what is being robbed, and not to confuse it with "steal". According to Ludwig AI, the word is considered grammatically correct. It sees frequent usage in "News & Media", "Sport", and "Music" contexts, and maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for various communication styles. For less aggressive or more specific connotations, consider alternatives such as "deprive", "defraud", or "embezzle". Finally, it's important to remember to specify the person or entity being robbed, as "rob" emphasizes the victim more than the object that is taken.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

steal from

Focuses specifically on the act of taking something without permission, differing slightly in its emphasis on the object being taken.

deprive of

Highlights the act of taking something away from someone, which can be tangible or intangible, like happiness or energy.

defraud

Specifically implies deceit in the act of taking something, usually money or possessions.

burglarize

Specifically refers to entering a building illegally with the intent to steal, narrowing the scope of the action.

hold up

Often implies the use of threats or violence to commit a robbery, adding a layer of aggression.

pilfer

Suggests stealing small items or amounts, implying a less serious offense.

embezzle

Implies stealing funds or assets from a position of trust, such as in a workplace.

plunder

Often suggests taking goods by force during a war or riot, indicating widespread and aggressive theft.

fleece

Suggests cheating someone out of money, often through deception or trickery.

swindle

Implies obtaining money or property through fraudulent means, highlighting the deceptive aspect of the act.

FAQs

How do I use "rob" in a sentence?

The verb "rob" requires an object, typically the person or place being targeted. For example, "The thief tried to rob the jewelry store" is correct, whereas "The thief tried to rob the jewels" is incorrect; instead, use "steal."

What's the difference between "rob" and "steal"?

"Rob" implies taking something by force or threat, focusing on the victim. "Steal" is a broader term referring to any unauthorized taking of property, with the focus on the object. Consider alternatives like "pilfer" depending on the context.

Can I use "rob" to describe emotional deprivation?

Yes, "rob" can be used metaphorically to describe depriving someone of something intangible, such as joy or peace. For instance, "The illness robbed him of his vitality."

What can I say instead of "rob" to avoid being too aggressive in my writing?

Depending on the context, consider using alternatives like "deprive of", "defraud", or "embezzle" if the situation involves deceit or breach of trust. Alternatives like "swindle" also exist for less forceful ways of losing money to a criminal.