What are the definitions of “steal up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Approach quietly or secretly.
The lights were off and everything was quiet so we STOLE UP as quietly as we could.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “steal up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb steal up is to approach someone or something quietly or secretly, often to avoid being noticed. It is used when someone wants to move closer to a person or object without making any noise.
What are the different verb forms of “steal up”?
| Root Verb | steal up |
| Third Person Singular Present | steals up |
| Present Participle | stealing up |
| Simple Past | stole up |
| Past Participle | stolen up |
Example
The cat stole up to the bird, hoping to catch it.
Example
He steals up to the door to listen to the conversation inside.
Example
She is stealing up behind her friend to surprise her.
Example
The thief stole up to the house in the middle of the night.
Example
The spy had stolen up to the enemy's camp to gather information.
What kind of phrasal verb is “steal up”?
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 up” 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
The cat stole up to the bird.
Example
The thief stole up to the house.
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 up” 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
The cat stole up to the bird.
Example
The thief stole up to the house.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “steal up”?
Good things to know
Does “steal up” have an informal or formal tone?
Steal up 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.
