steal some time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "steal some time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to finding or making time for something, often in a way that suggests it is done in a sneaky or opportunistic manner. Example: "I managed to steal some time during my lunch break to work on my personal project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But she has also managed to steal some time off the trail, often to ride horses, including a 10-day break after the Illinois primary.

The New York Times

He had work to do the men's ready-to-wear show would take place in a few weeks but he hoped to steal some time to go to his favorite antique store, near Bond Street.

The New Yorker

I'm in Alaska, amid moose and bear, trying to steal some time away from the absurdities of American politics and economics.

Huffington Post

We managed to steal some time with the man behind the mask in the wake of his almost tour to talk all things creative and the inspirations behind his huge, haunting sound.

Vice

Meanwhile, Gaiman continues to do publicity for "The Ocean at the End of the Lane" -- the book that inspired his "last U.S. booksigning tour ever" -- and in between, steal some time with his wife, musician Amanda Palmer -- according to Gaiman's Twitter, Palmer and Gaiman performed together at this weekend's Newport Folk Festival.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

No secret that the sun andmoon have always slept in separate beds.Gives some steel, steals some time andcalls it "borrowed," bruises and calls it"something blue".

The New Yorker

After the inauguration speech ended, some of the history and government classes stole some time from preparing for the coming midterms to discuss it.

The New York Times

It consists of an illustrated database of 34,100 works of art whose only common theme is that they have been stolen some time in the last 62 years and never recovered.

Independent

It was stolen some time between April 20 and May 5. Pc Graham Davies, of Cheshire Police, said: "We do not know exactly when the plaque was taken but would appeal to anyone who has any information in relation to the theft to come forward.

Independent

The other day, I finally stole some time and vacuumed out my minivan.

Huffington Post

After 14 days, I stole some time and answered some of the questions as to where this is all going as it relates to my company and my own personal career and life.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "steal some time", consider the context. This phrase is best used when the time is taken from other obligations or activities, implying a slight sense of guilt or urgency. For example: "I had to steal some time from work to attend my child's school play."

Common error

Avoid using "steal some time" in formal business or academic writing. Opt for more neutral phrases like "make time" or "find time" to maintain a professional tone. Using "steal some time" could be perceived as unprofessional or suggesting that time is being misappropriated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steal some time" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a larger clause. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It indicates the act of finding or creating time, often implying it's taken from other obligations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

16%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "steal some time" is a grammatically sound and somewhat common expression used to describe the act of finding or creating time, often at the expense of other activities. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is acceptable in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's best to avoid "steal some time" in highly formal writing, opting instead for alternatives like "make time" or "find time". When employing "steal some time", consider the context and whether the implication of taking time from another task is relevant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

snatch a moment

Similar to "steal", suggesting a quick, opportunistic use of time.

squeeze in time

Implies fitting something into a very tight schedule.

find a moment

Focuses on locating an opportune time, without necessarily implying it's taken from other activities.

carve out time

Highlights the effort involved in separating time from a busy schedule, more forceful than simply "make time".

make time

Emphasizes creating space in one's schedule, differing from "steal" which suggests taking time from something else.

extract time

Emphasizes carefully removing time from existing tasks or activities.

free up some time

Focuses on clearing existing commitments to gain available time.

liberate some time

Suggests freeing oneself from obligations to gain time.

set aside time

Highlights intentional planning and reservation of time, lacking the surreptitious nuance of "steal".

gain some time

Suggests an increase in available time, often through strategic planning or efficiency.

FAQs

How can I use "steal some time" in a sentence?

You can use "steal some time" to describe finding or making time for something, often implying it's done quickly or by taking it from other obligations. For example, "I managed to steal some time during my lunch break to catch up on reading."

What is a good alternative to "steal some time"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "steal some time" include "make time", "find time", or "carve out time". These alternatives might be more suitable for formal situations.

Is it correct to say "stole some time" or "steal some time"?

"Steal some time" is the infinitive form, used when referring to a general action. "Stole some time" is the past tense, used when describing a specific instance in the past. For example, "I try to steal some time each day for exercise" versus "I stole some time yesterday to finish the report."

What does it mean to "steal time" in project management?

In project management, "steal time" can refer to finding efficiencies or shortcuts to complete tasks faster than initially planned. This might involve optimizing processes or reallocating resources to "gain some time" in the project schedule.