to steal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to steal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing theft or taking something unlawfully. Example: "He was caught trying to steal a car from the parking lot."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But what to steal?

The Economist

I like to steal".

The New York Times

Somebody's going to steal something".

The New Yorker

"You're enticing people to steal".

The New York Times

It's healthy to steal.

The Guardian - Music

Robar is "to steal".

The New Yorker

Like when to steal.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I used to steal.

The Guardian

Hemings hoped to steal her; he failed.

The New Yorker

Will someone try to steal my car?

The New York Times

Why does he need to steal things?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to steal" in a sentence, ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being stolen and from whom. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "to steal" in contexts where borrowing with permission is implied. "To steal" specifically denotes an unlawful or unauthorized taking, and using it otherwise can misrepresent the situation.

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to steal" functions primarily as a verb in various sentence structures. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in expressing intent, possibility, or the act of theft itself, often following auxiliary verbs or prepositions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the infinitive phrase "to steal" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of taking something illegally or without permission. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Predominantly found in news and media, its usage extends to wiki and scientific contexts, though less frequently in formal business or academic writing. Understanding the nuances of its usage—particularly the intentional and unauthorized nature of the act—is crucial for effective communication. Be mindful of situations where 'borrowing' is implied versus outright theft.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to thieve

A synonym for stealing, but can sound slightly archaic or informal.

to pilfer

Implies stealing small items or in small quantities.

to misappropriate

Suggests taking something, often funds or resources, for the wrong purpose.

to embezzle

Specifically refers to stealing money from an organization or employer.

to defraud

Involves stealing through deception or trickery.

to purloin

A more formal or literary term for stealing, often implying a breach of trust.

to loot

Implies stealing during a time of chaos or conflict.

to plagiarize

To steal someone's work or ideas and pass them off as your own.

to siphon

To steal money or resources gradually and often secretly.

to poach

To steal or take something illegally from another's property or domain, often in the context of hunting or business.

FAQs

How can I use "to steal" in a sentence?

You can use "to steal" to describe the act of taking something illegally. For example, "He attempted "to steal the car"" or "Is it okay "to steal"?".

What are some alternatives to "to steal"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to pilfer", "to misappropriate", or "to thieve".

When is it appropriate to use "to steal"?

"To steal" is appropriate when describing the act of illegally taking someone else's property without their permission. It implies a deliberate act of theft.

What's the difference between "to borrow" and "to steal"?

"To borrow" implies taking something with the intention of returning it, usually with permission. "To steal" implies taking something without permission and with no intention of returning it. They are opposite actions.