stolen up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stolen up" is not correct and does not have a clear meaning in standard written English.
It may be an attempt to convey a sense of something being taken or accumulated, but it is not a recognized expression. Example: "The funds were stolen up over the course of several months." (Note: this is not a standard usage.)

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

In the past 12 months, 14,943 scooters and motorcycles were stolen, up from 11,511.

The Guardian

He was once one of the Republic's top bank robbers and is estimated to have stolen up to €40m.

The Guardian

The legal issue of domestic drone deployment is itself a little like a drone: it has stolen up on us and is now hovering noiselessly overhead.

The New Yorker

The Centre Court could not quite believe it, as if it had stolen up behind them when they were not looking.

The Guardian - Sport

It is hardly surprising that China, which has recently stolen up behind the "developed world" to threaten its supremacy (and all its common wisdom about development models), sits at the center of Morris's book.

The New York Times - Books

According to a detailed report issued by Russian opposition leaders in May, businessmen and various consiglieres of Putin have stolen up to $30bn from funds intended for Olympic preparations.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"What?" I asked, hand stealing up to my face.

The New York Times

Self might steal up or sidestep him altogether.

The Guardian - Books

But its quiet rewards steal up on you.

The New York Times

So can the hen harrier steal up on the outside and beat the robin?

The Guardian

Slowly but surely, the gentleness of Jim Jarmusch's lovely new film steals up on you.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "stolen up" in formal writing. Opt for more precise and grammatically correct alternatives like "stolen" or "embezzled" depending on the context.

Common error

Do not assume that adding "up" to a verb automatically creates a meaningful phrasal verb. Many verbs do not combine with "up" to convey a standard or understandable meaning. "Stolen up" is an example of such incorrect construction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stolen up" functions as a verb phrase, although it is grammatically questionable. The intended function might be to describe the accumulation of something through theft, but Ludwig AI indicates this phrase isn't recognized in standard usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the query "stolen up" appears in some contexts, it's not considered grammatically correct in standard English. Ludwig AI confirms this. The intended meaning seems to relate to the accumulation of something through theft, but this is better expressed using more standard phrases like "stolen", "embezzled", or "misappropriated". Given its non-standard nature, "stolen up" should be avoided in formal writing. The phrase shows a distribution that favors News and Media contexts, with limited presence elsewhere.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

embezzled

Refers specifically to theft of funds by someone in a position of trust.

misappropriated

Suggests improper or dishonest use of something, often funds.

pilfered

Implies petty theft, often of small items or amounts.

accumulated through theft

Emphasizes the gradual gathering of items or wealth through stealing.

amassed illegally

Focuses on the accumulation of something unlawfully.

fraudulently obtained

Highlights the deceptive nature of the acquisition.

ill-gotten gains

Refers to profits or advantages gained through illegal or dishonest means.

siphoned off

Suggests the gradual removal of funds from a larger source.

wrongfully acquired

Indicates that the acquisition was unjust or unlawful.

purloined

Implies stealing something in violation of trust.

FAQs

Is "stolen up" grammatically correct?

No, "stolen up" is not a grammatically correct or commonly recognized phrase in standard English. It's better to use more standard expressions like "stolen" or "embezzled".

What are some alternatives to "stolen up"?

Depending on the context, you could use "embezzled", "misappropriated", or simply "stolen".

How can I use the word "stolen" in a sentence?

You can use "stolen" in various contexts, such as "The money was stolen from the bank", or "His idea was stolen by a competitor".

What is the difference between "stolen" and "embezzled"?

"Stolen" generally refers to the act of taking something that doesn't belong to you. "Embezzled" specifically refers to the act of someone in a position of trust stealing money from their employer.