steal across

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "steal across" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe moving quietly or stealthily from one place to another, often with a sense of secrecy or stealth. Example: "As the night fell, she decided to steal across the garden to avoid being seen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

I sometimes steal across to the Central Park Zoo to watch the snow leopards on my lunch breaks.

The New York Times

In their first week of use, the cameras detected a band of Asian men trying to steal across the border.

The New York Times

In any case, the border has been so porous for so long that people now have plenty of reasons to steal across it other than work.

The Economist

One study in the 1990s showed that a 10% drop in Mexican pay relative to American wages prompted a 6% increase in attempts to steal across the border.

The Economist

Every so often, in the midst of open domestic warfare, a sly, complacent smile will steal across the face of one or the other.

The New York Times

Masnaa, the primary official crossing between the two countries, is busy, although many Syrians have found illegal ways to steal across the border.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Soldiers fled in packs, or officers stole across a border, lifting the rebels' morale while swelling their ranks.

The New York Times

Mortification stole across his features.

The Guardian - Sport

Hope was stealing across the faces of the Pythons.

The New Yorker

Stealing across industry boundaries to find chief executives is not a new strategy.

The New York Times

It was Republicans who ran television ads in 2006 comparing labourers who stole across the Mexican border to terrorists.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "steal across" to describe a subtle or secretive movement, particularly when crossing a boundary or space. It adds a sense of intrigue or stealth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "steal across" to describe abstract concepts or emotions. This phrase is best suited for physical actions involving movement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steal across" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating a manner of movement. It combines a verb of action ("steal") with a preposition indicating direction or location ("across"). According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in English, suggesting it adheres to standard grammatical norms.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "steal across" is a phrase used to describe a quiet or secretive movement from one place to another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and primarily used in descriptive contexts within news and media. The phrase implies an intention to avoid detection or to move discreetly. While there are several semantically related alternatives, such as "sneak across" or "creep across", each carries its own nuance. When using "steal across", ensure it aligns with the intended tone and setting of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sneak across

Implies a quiet, stealthy movement to avoid being noticed, similar to "steal across" but with a stronger emphasis on secrecy.

creep across

Suggests a slow, cautious movement, often on hands and knees or close to the ground, highlighting the deliberate and careful nature of the action.

slip across

Emphasizes a smooth, almost unnoticed movement, often suggesting ease and agility in crossing a boundary or space.

slide across

Indicates a continuous movement over a surface, often implying a lack of friction or resistance in the action.

edge across

Suggests a cautious, deliberate movement along an edge or boundary, often to avoid danger or exposure.

sidle across

Implies a sideways movement, often to avoid attention or to approach something discreetly.

glide across

Suggests a smooth, effortless movement, often implying grace and elegance in crossing a space.

tiptoe across

Implies walking very quietly and carefully, usually to avoid making noise or disturbing someone.

steal over

Refers to a feeling or expression gradually spreading or becoming apparent, subtly changing the overall atmosphere.

quietly cross

Indicates a silent, unhurried movement from one side to another, with the intent to avoid detection or drawing attention.

FAQs

How can "steal across" be used in a sentence?

The phrase "steal across" is used to describe a quiet or secretive movement. For example: "I sometimes "steal across" to the Central Park Zoo to watch the snow leopards on my lunch breaks."

What are some alternatives to "steal across"?

Alternatives include "sneak across", "creep across", or "slip across", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "steal across" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "steal across" may be more suited to creative or descriptive writing. For formal contexts, consider alternatives like "quietly move" or "discreetly pass".

Can "steal across" be used to describe something other than physical movement?

While primarily used for physical movement, it can metaphorically describe a subtle or gradual change, though this is less common. The Ludwig AI examples showcase its typical use in describing physical actions.