stealing away

USAGE SUMMARY

"stealing away" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone leaving quietly or secretly, often to escape or avoid attention. Example: She was stealing away from the party to enjoy some quiet time alone. Alternative expressions include "sneaking away," "slipping away," and "fading away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

"It was like stealing away," he said.

The New York Times - Books

True or not, tales of Chinese women stealing away married men have become legion.

The New York Times

I had taken my life from his, and now I was stealing away with it.

The New Yorker

It has been estimated that Sci-Hub is stealing away about 5% of their usual traffic and paper download.

University of California, Berkeley

Unlike those "stealing away" on the Black Star Line, Hirsch is not the product of slavery.

The Guardian - Books

They found the idea of stealing away to marry in semi-secrecy extremely romantic.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

A great man, so suddenly stolen away.

The New York Times

Phrases like "I hain't got long to stay here./Steal away, steal away, steal away to Jesus" served as a signal for potential runaway slaves.

The New York Times

Then, "You steal away / Into a lonesome sound.

The New Yorker

"Then steal away; give little warning; Choose thine own time.

The New York Times

According to myth, girls steal away their mothers' beauty.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stealing away", consider the context. It is more appropriate when the departure is unexpected or potentially forbidden. For example: 'She was "stealing away" from the party to avoid an awkward conversation'.

Common error

Avoid using "stealing away" when a simple departure is meant. This phrase suggests a clandestine or secretive element that might be inappropriate in neutral contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stealing away" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating an action of departing secretly or quietly. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is well-established in English, serving to add a layer of discretion or covertness to the act of leaving.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Academia

12%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stealing away" is a common phrasal verb used to describe a secretive or discreet departure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, it implies an element of secrecy or avoidance. Alternatives like "slipping away" or "sneaking off" offer similar meanings with slight nuances. When using "stealing away", it's important to consider the context to ensure the connotation of secrecy is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slipping away

Emphasizes a subtle and almost unnoticeable departure.

sneaking off

Suggests a more deliberate attempt to avoid being seen.

quietly departing

Focuses on the peaceful and non-disruptive nature of leaving.

secretly leaving

Highlights the hidden nature of the departure.

absconding

Implies a hurried and possibly illicit departure.

fleeing secretly

Stresses escape and concealment during departure.

making an escape

Focuses on escaping a situation or place.

vanishing unnoticed

Emphasizes the lack of awareness surrounding the departure.

evading detection

Implies avoiding being caught or seen when leaving.

discreetly exiting

Highlights the careful and subtle manner of leaving.

FAQs

How can I use "stealing away" in a sentence?

"Stealing away" suggests a quiet, secretive departure. Example: "He was "stealing away" from the meeting to catch his train."

What are some alternatives to "stealing away"?

Alternatives include "slipping away", "sneaking off", or "quietly departing". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "stealing away" formal or informal?

"Stealing away" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. It's suitable for most everyday conversations but might be less appropriate in very formal writing.

What does "stealing away" imply?

The phrase suggests a departure that is intended to be unnoticed, often to avoid confrontation or fulfill a secret purpose. The person is not just leaving, but doing so discreetly.