steal proof

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "steal proof" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct term is "steal-proof," which can be used to describe something designed to prevent theft. Example: "The new bike model features a steal-proof lock that ensures it cannot be easily taken."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Emily is still in Rosewood, dropping off the transcript to the crisis counselor that she stole as proof.

Huffington Post

The stolen progressive proofs (test prints of stamp designs) should have been returned to the Crown Agents for destruction and were valued at £7,600.

Wikipedia

Trump repeatedly praised WikiLeaks and pointed to the stolen emails as proof that Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton was corrupt.

Huffington Post

Trump repeatedly praised WikiLeaks and pointed to the stolen emails as proof that Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton was corrupt.

Huffington Post

If we accept that "stealing is wrong" and "cheating is wrong," and we have some proof that someone tried to steal and someone tried to cheat, their level of aptitude should not have an impact on how those wrongs are sanctioned.

The New York Times - Magazine

At branches of Washington Mutual, staff do not sit behind grilles or bullet-proof glass because there is nothing to steal.

The Economist

She was found not guilty of commercial burglary, a charge requiring proof that she had gone into the store intending to steal.

The New York Times

What's more, he alleged, they had been stolen — and he had proof.

The New Yorker

When objects have been stolen more recently and proof exists, the situation is different: many countries, including China, have signed a 1970 Unesco treaty requiring their return.

The New York Times - Arts

Eventually, the speedometer nudged a hair above five miles per hour, and as we started to crawl forward again, a thought stole into my mind, proof that Dhaka had done its work on me.

The New York Times - Travel

The Presidents' Day proof is "Stealing Lincoln's Body," a tale of an audacious but bungled crime so ghoulish that the program might just as easily have been broadcast on Halloween.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to an object or system designed to prevent theft, use the term "theft-proof" or "anti-theft" for clarity and grammatical correctness.

Common error

Avoid using the open compound "steal proof". Instead, use the hyphenated form "theft-proof" or the established term "anti-theft" to ensure clarity and grammatical accuracy in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steal proof" functions as a descriptive adjective aiming to convey resistance or immunity to theft. However, it's grammatically unconventional. Ludwig AI points out that the correct and commonly accepted form is "theft-proof" or "anti-theft".

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "steal proof" might seem intuitive, it's grammatically incorrect. The accurate and widely accepted alternatives are "theft-proof" (hyphenated adjective) and "anti-theft" (typically used to describe systems or measures). As Ludwig AI indicates, using these correct forms ensures clarity and professionalism in your writing. Remember to opt for "theft-proof" or "anti-theft" to effectively communicate the concept of something being protected from theft.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

theft-proof

Hyphenated form, more grammatically correct adjective.

anti-theft

Standard term indicating protection against theft.

secure against theft

Expresses the concept of security specifically in relation to theft.

protected from stealing

Focuses on the action of preventing someone from stealing something.

resistant to theft

Emphasizes the ability to withstand or repel theft attempts.

theft-resistant

Similar to "anti-theft", but puts more emphasis on resistance.

burglar-proof

Specifically targets burglary, which is a form of theft.

tamper-proof

Focuses on preventing tampering, which can include theft.

unstealable

Directly states the impossibility of being stolen.

safe from thieves

Highlights the safety aspect and the target threat (thieves).

FAQs

What is the correct way to say something is protected from theft?

The correct terms are "theft-proof" or "anti-theft". For example, you might say "This lock is "theft-proof"" or "This store has "anti-theft" devices installed".

Is "steal proof" grammatically correct?

No, "steal proof" is not grammatically correct in standard English. The proper term is "theft-proof", using a hyphen to connect the words or "anti-theft".

What are some alternatives to "steal proof"?

Instead of "steal proof", you can use phrases such as "secure against theft", "resistant to theft", or simply "theft-resistant".

How does "theft-proof" differ from "anti-theft"?

"Theft-proof" and "anti-theft" are often used interchangeably, but ""anti-theft"" typically refers to measures or systems designed to prevent theft, while ""theft-proof"" describes an object's inherent resistance to being stolen. In most contexts, either term is acceptable.