What are the definitions of “steal out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Leave in a stealthy or quiet manner.
Not wanting to attract attention, she STOLE OUT early.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “steal out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb steal out is to leave a place quietly or secretly, without being noticed. It is often used when someone wants to avoid attracting attention or causing a disturbance.
What are the different verb forms of “steal out”?
| Root Verb | steal out |
| Third Person Singular Present | steals out |
| Present Participle | stealing out |
| Simple Past | stole out |
| Past Participle | stolen out |
Example
He stole out of the room while everyone was asleep.
Example
She steals out of the house every night to meet her friends.
Example
They were stealing out of the party without saying goodbye.
Example
Last night, he stole out of the house to avoid waking his parents.
Example
She had stolen out of the room before anyone noticed her absence.
What kind of phrasal verb is “steal out”?
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 out” 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
He stole out of the room quietly.
Example
She stole out without anyone noticing.
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 out” 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
He stole out of the room quietly.
Example
She stole out without anyone noticing.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “steal out”?
Good things to know
Does “steal out” have an informal or formal tone?
Steal out 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.