steal it from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "steal it from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to taking something unlawfully or without permission from someone or somewhere. Example: "He decided to steal it from the store, thinking he wouldn't get caught."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He owned a magic bow that always hit its target, though, and his fellow warriors came back to steal it from him.

The New York Times - Books

We steal it from the night".

The New York Times

Where did you steal it from?

The Guardian

"Don't you dare let anyone steal it from you".

The New York Times

No, not if you don't steal it from him.

The New Yorker

"I steal it from her every chance I get".

The New York Times - Arts

"People steal it from bases, or deserters come in and sell their uniforms," he said.

The New York Times

"I'd take it from my mother, steal it from my boyfriend.

The New York Times

Hit someone carrying a television set and you can steal it from him.

The New York Times - Tech

I steal it from everybody, and I don't care who knows about it".

The New York Times - Tech

Those who still use chalk steal it from their toddlers' cubbies and bring it to class in their pockets.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of "steal" – it implies wrongdoing. If the acquisition is not illegal or unethical, consider using a less charged verb like "take" or "borrow".

Common error

Avoid using "steal it from" when the action is not truly theft. Using it loosely can create unintended negative implications about the character of the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steal it from" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of unlawfully taking something belonging to someone or some place. It always requires a subject (the stealer), an object (the "it"), and a source from which the "it" is taken. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of this construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

14%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "steal it from" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that describes the act of taking something without permission or unlawfully from a person, place, or thing. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread use across various contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral, its implications of wrongdoing should be considered when choosing alternative phrasing. Its prevalence in News & Media sources reflects its use in describing events involving theft or illicit actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take it from

Replaces "steal" with the more general term "take", indicating a broader range of acquisition, not necessarily illegal.

snatch it from

Emphasizes a sudden and forceful taking, highlighting the quickness of the action.

swipe it from

A more informal term for stealing, often used in casual conversation.

pilfer it from

Suggests petty theft or taking something of little value in a sneaky manner.

wrest it from

Conveys the idea of obtaining something through a struggle or competition.

appropriate it from

Implies taking something for one's own use, sometimes with a sense of justification or official sanction, even if not entirely ethical.

extract it from

Suggests obtaining something with effort or difficulty, often involving careful or technical methods.

purloin it from

A formal or old-fashioned way of saying "steal", suggesting a deliberate and secretive act.

divert it from

Indicates changing the course of something to benefit oneself, implying a manipulative action.

embezzle it from

Specifically refers to stealing or misappropriating funds or assets, usually from a business or organization.

FAQs

What does "steal it from" mean?

The phrase "steal it from" means to take something dishonestly or without permission from someone or a particular place. It implies an act of theft.

What can I say instead of "steal it from"?

You can use alternatives like "take it from", "snatch it from", or "pilfer it from" depending on the context.

Is it ever acceptable to "steal it from" someone?

In general, "steal it from" implies an unethical or illegal action. There might be extremely rare, hypothetical situations where someone might feel justified in stealing, but typically it is viewed negatively.

How do I use "steal it from" in a sentence?

You can use "steal it from" to describe the act of taking something that doesn't belong to you. For example, "He decided to steal the idea from his colleague" or "They tried to steal the artifact from the museum".