stole away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stole away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone leaving quietly or secretly, often to escape or avoid attention. Example: "She stole away from the party before anyone noticed she was gone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"He stole away some other guy's wife".

The New Yorker

Before Eliza had the chance to sell her too, she stole away to freedom.

University of California, Berkeley

Less than a year later, Comey stole away from his regiment to fight at Kernstown.

The New York Times

Scott, now 14, stole away to their camp on or about April 12 , 1862

The New York Times

I stole away, happy to have touched a hand that reaches into vanished worlds.

The New Yorker

Cartier, however, stole away during the night and continued back to France.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

A great man, so suddenly stolen away.

The New York Times

"It was like stealing away," he said.

The New York Times - Books

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stole away" to add a sense of secrecy or suddenness to a departure, especially when the subject is trying to avoid attention or escape a situation. For example, "During the chaos, she stole away to a quiet room" emphasizes her desire to escape the commotion.

Common error

While "stole away" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it in highly formal writing where a more direct and neutral term like "left" or "departed" would be more appropriate. In a formal report, saying "The suspect left the scene" is better than "The suspect stole away from the scene".

Linguistic Context

"Stole away" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating an action of leaving discreetly or secretly. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples show it used to describe physical departures, escaping situations, or even having something taken away unexpectedly.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Academia

12%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stole away" is a phrasal verb that describes a quiet or secretive departure. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's frequently found in News & Media sources but also appears in academic and general writing. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "departed" or "left". Remember, its use adds a nuance of secrecy or suddenness to the action of leaving.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slipped away

Implies a quiet, subtle departure, often to avoid notice.

snuck away

Suggests a secretive departure, typically to avoid being caught or seen.

crept away

Indicates a cautious and stealthy departure, often due to fear or a desire to remain undetected.

quietly left

A more straightforward and less figurative way of saying someone departed without causing a disturbance.

secretly departed

Emphasizes the secrecy surrounding the departure.

discreetly withdrew

Suggests a polite and subtle departure, avoiding any disruption.

slyly absconded

Indicates a cunning and secretive escape, often to avoid responsibility.

vanished unnoticed

Highlights the fact that the person left without anyone realizing it.

escaped quietly

Emphasizes the act of escaping a situation by leaving discreetly.

made an exit

A more general term for leaving, which can be modified to imply secrecy or stealth.

FAQs

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

"Stole away" is a phrasal verb that describes leaving quietly or secretly, often to escape or avoid attention. For example: "She "slipped away" from the party before anyone noticed she was gone."

What's a more formal alternative to "stole away"?

In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "departed", "withdrew", or "left" to maintain a professional tone.

What does it mean when someone "stole away"?

It means they left discreetly and usually without wanting to be noticed. The phrase implies a sense of secrecy or perhaps a desire to avoid confrontation or attention.

Is "stole away" the same as "snuck away"?

While similar, "snuck away" often implies a more mischievous or secretive departure than "stole away", which can simply mean leaving quietly.