stole into

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stole into" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone entering a place quietly or secretly, often with a sense of stealth or sneakiness. Example: "She stole into the room, careful not to wake anyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

A doubt stole into my heart, but I kept it silent with all my powers.

The New Yorker

In 2009, a Taliban unit stole into the valleys at night and kidnapped Lerounis.

The Guardian - Travel

Komlan and two friends stole into his room and tied him up.

The New York Times - Health

Meanwhile old American folk forms — gospel, New Orleans, country — stole into set after set.

The New York Times - Arts

Cesc Fàbregas stole into the United area but was caught by Darren Fletcher.

The New York Times

Had you heard that the youth stole into the monarch's bed disguised as a woman?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

He converted a steal into a layup.

The New York Times

"Like melancholy moods...they steal into the gloom of that appointed time".

The New Yorker

Such a firm might also steal into markets that erect barriers to foreign insurers.

The Economist

I couldn't understand why he was standing there instead of stealing into a hole.

The New York Times

9.43pm BST Bucur almost steals into the Swansea area but excellent defending from Amat denies him.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stole into", consider the connotations of secrecy and stealth. Ensure that the context supports this implication to enhance the narrative or descriptive effect. For example, use it to describe a character entering a room unnoticed or a subtle influence gradually affecting a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "stole into" when describing an ordinary or public entry, as it implies a hidden or possibly illicit action. Instead, choose more neutral verbs like "entered" or "went into" if stealth isn't relevant to the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stole into" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating a manner of entering. It combines the verb "stole" with the preposition "into" to convey an action performed with stealth or secrecy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Sport

8%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Travel

2%

Books

2%

Arts

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stole into" is a phrasal verb that means to enter a place quietly and secretly. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and quite common, particularly in news and media, where it is used to describe clandestine actions or subtle influences. While maintaining a neutral register, its impact is greatest when highlighting discretion and stealth. Alternatives like "sneaked into" or "slipped into" can provide similar meaning with slight nuances. Remember to use it in contexts where secrecy is relevant and avoid overusing it in ordinary entry descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slipped into

Implies a smooth and almost unnoticed entry, focusing on the ease of movement.

sneaked into

Highlights the secrecy and stealth involved in entering a place.

crept into

Suggests a slow and cautious entry, emphasizing quiet movement.

slunk into

Implies a secretive and often shamefaced entry.

infiltrated

Suggests a more deliberate and strategic entry, often with a specific purpose.

secretly entered

Directly states the action of entering in a secretive manner.

quietly entered

Focuses on the silence and lack of noise during the entry.

slipped inside

Similar to "slipped into", but emphasizes the interior destination.

stealthily entered

Highlights the stealth and carefulness of the entry.

surreptitiously entered

Implies a very discreet and secretive entry, avoiding attention.

FAQs

What does "stole into" mean?

"Stole into" means to enter a place quietly, secretly, or stealthily, often with the intention of not being noticed. It implies a clandestine or surreptitious movement.

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

You can use "stole into" in a sentence to describe someone or something entering a place discreetly. For example, "The cat stole into the kitchen while everyone was asleep" or "A feeling of sadness stole into her heart unexpectedly".

What are some alternatives to "stole into"?

Some alternatives to "stole into" include "sneaked into", "slipped into", "crept into", or "quietly entered", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "stole into" formal or informal?

"Stole into" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, its impact is greatest when describing narrative situations where discretion is relevant.