What are the definitions of “steal away”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Leave a place quietly or secretly.
We didn't want to wake them, so we STOLE AWAY in the middle of the night.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “steal away”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb steal away is to leave a place quietly or secretly, often to avoid being noticed or causing disturbance. For example, it can mean leaving a party without saying goodbye or sneaking out of a room without making noise.
What are the different verb forms of “steal away”?
| Root Verb | steal away |
| Third Person Singular Present | steals away |
| Present Participle | stealing away |
| Simple Past | stole away |
| Past Participle | stolen away |
Example
They decided to steal away from the party early.
Example
She often steals away from work to take a break.
Example
He is stealing away from the meeting to make a phone call.
Example
Last night, they stole away from the gathering without anyone noticing.
Example
The cat had stolen away before we could catch it.
What kind of phrasal verb is “steal away”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“steal away” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
She stole away before anyone could see her.
Example
He stole away to avoid being caught.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“steal away” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She stole away before anyone could see her.
Example
He stole away to avoid being caught.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “steal away”?
Good things to know
Does “steal away” have an informal or formal tone?
Steal away is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal writing or speech, depending on the specific context.
