stole it for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stole it for" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be used in informal contexts, but it typically requires additional context to clarify its meaning. Example: "He stole it for his friend, thinking he was helping him out."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Archie stole it for us".

The New York Times - Sports

"And Nik stole it for us today," Lightning center Tim Taylor said.

The New York Times - Sports

"An old boyfriend stole it for me in Greece," my mother said, surprising all of us and blushing herself.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I stole it for my kids' sake," she told me, "so they will be able to get insurance".

The New York Times - Health

"His daddy stole it for J. F. K.," an aghast Mr. Ginsberg says aloud, referring to Mr. Daley's father, the former Mayor Richard J. Daley of Chicago.

The New York Times

"I was working on a cruise ship," she went on, "singing songs like 'I Can't Say No' from 'Oklahoma.' Jan, the first mate, stole it for me during a day trip".

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

I don't think users actually, truly care about privacy (Facebook has been stealing it for years — has that stopped its growth at all?) and they certainly aren't news junkies either.

TechCrunch

"Now he's going to steal it for Gore".

The New York Times

Terrorists can steal it for a moment or even a while, but we dare not let them fundamentally erode it, and I don't think we will.

The New York Times

We couldn't work out why at first, then one of the thieves told us what he was stealing it for".

Independent

Saturninus and Glaucia might secure him the continuing favour of the plebs and perhaps the equites, though they might also steal it for themselves.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Although acceptable in informal speech, it's better to use alternatives to "stole it for" in any type of writing since it's not considered grammatically correct.

Common error

Avoid using "stole it for" in formal contexts. Although understandable, it can detract from your credibility. Instead, opt for alternatives like "acquired it for" or "obtained it for".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stole it for" functions as a verb phrase describing an action of theft performed to benefit someone else. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is not considered grammatically correct, but it is still used in informal communication.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

16%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stole it for" describes an act of theft carried out to benefit someone else. While understandable, Ludwig AI considers this phrase grammatically incorrect, suggesting alternatives such as "acquired it for" or "obtained it for" for clearer and more appropriate communication. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, its usage leans toward informal contexts. When writing, especially in formal settings, choose more conventional phrases to ensure clarity and maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bought it for

Direct purchase for someone.

got it for

General acquisition for someone.

obtained it for

Formal acquisition for someone.

acquired it for

A slightly more formal way to say 'got it'.

snagged it for

Informal, implies getting a good deal for someone.

picked it up for

Informal; suggests easy acquisition.

found it for

Suggests discovery and subsequent procurement.

reserved it for

Held something back specifically for someone.

saved it for

Kept something intended for someone.

set it aside for

Similar to 'saved', but with a sense of temporary holding.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "stole it for" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "acquired it for" or "obtained it for". These alternatives avoid the negative connotation of stealing and provide a more neutral description of the action.

Is it grammatically correct to say "stole it for"?

According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "stole it for" is not considered grammatically correct in standard written English. It is often used in informal contexts but typically needs additional clarification.

What does "stole it for" imply?

The phrase "stole it for" implies that someone committed theft with the intention of benefiting another person. It suggests that the action, while illegal, was motivated by a desire to help someone else.

Are there situations where using "stole it for" is acceptable?

While generally discouraged in formal or professional settings, "stole it for" might be acceptable in informal conversations among friends or family where the context makes the meaning clear. However, consider whether a less ambiguous alternative would be more appropriate.