stole off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stole off" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone leaving a place quietly or secretly, often to avoid being noticed. Example: "She stole off into the night, hoping to avoid any questions from her parents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

One pair I stole off my friend's face.

The New York Times

"She stole off the punters, too, dipping their wallets when she was giving them a blow job".

The Guardian

Giacomo rolled down the lane to become the second-longest shot to win the roses since Donerail stole off with the 1913 Derby at 91-1.

The New York Times - Sports

So, in 1958, they stole off to Washington, D.C., to tie the knot, and then returned home to live as husband and wife.

The New Yorker

He plays guitar and drums and kalimba, and I play a bass, a guitar, a Wurlitzer and a little keyboard I stole off my daughter.

The Guardian

But we stole off to a Toddy Bar to eat a basic chilli-charred fish and drink coconut sap firewater with the local farmers.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Abandoned containers were stolen off the docks.

The New York Times

In New Palta, N. Y., 4,000 ft. of copper wire was stolen off of utility poles.

The New Yorker

"They got stolen off me on the bus here," Larry said.

The New York Times

That was apt; the Kings had just stolen off with the opener of the finals.

The New York Times

People like to steal off him and Henry can help stop that".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stole off" when you want to emphasize the secretive or quiet nature of someone's departure, often to avoid detection or attention. It's suitable for both literal and figurative contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "stole off" when the departure is public or acknowledged. It implies a desire to remain unnoticed, which would be contradictory in an open departure.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "stole off" functions primarily as a verb describing the act of leaving a place or situation quietly or secretly. Ludwig AI indicates it's a correct and usable phrase in written English. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in narratives and descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stole off" is a phrasal verb used to describe a quiet or secretive departure. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English. It's commonly found in news and media, and its primary function is to emphasize the discretion of someone leaving. When using "stole off", ensure the context aligns with the intention of conveying a subtle and unnoticed exit. Consider alternatives like ""slipped away"" or ""sneaked away"" for similar meanings. Avoid using it when the departure is public or acknowledged.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slipped away

Emphasizes a quiet and subtle departure, often unnoticed.

sneaked away

Highlights the secretive nature of the departure, avoiding detection.

stole away

Similar to "stole off", but implies a more prolonged period of being away.

slipped out

Suggests a quick and unobtrusive exit from a place.

snuck out

Implies a clandestine exit, often to avoid disapproval.

quietly departed

Focuses on the silence of the leaving, minimizing disturbance.

secretly left

Underscores the hidden aspect of the departure, keeping it unknown.

discreetly withdrew

Emphasizes the careful and cautious manner of leaving.

furtively exited

Highlights the secretive and possibly guilty nature of the departure.

absconded

Suggests a sudden and secretive departure, often to escape responsibility.

FAQs

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

You can use "stole off" to describe someone leaving quietly or secretly, like "As the party wound down, she "slipped away" unnoticed" or "During the chaos, he "sneaked away" to avoid confrontation".

What's a less formal way to say "stole off"?

Less formal alternatives include phrases like "slipped out" or "snuck out", which are more common in casual conversation.

Is "stole off" always related to a physical departure?

While often used for physical departures, "stole off" can also describe a subtle shift in topic or focus, though this usage is less common. It's generally best used when someone is physically leaving a place or situation quietly.

What is the difference between "stole away" and "stole off"?

"Stole away" and "stole off" are similar, both implying a secretive departure. "Stole away" might suggest a departure to a distant or hidden place, whereas "stole off" focuses more on the act of leaving quietly from the immediate context.