What are the definitions of “steal up on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Approach a place or someone quietly or secretly.
We STOLE UP ON them so that they couldn't sound the alarm.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “steal up on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb steal up on is to approach a place or someone quietly or secretly. It is often used when someone wants to surprise or avoid being noticed by others.
What are the different verb forms of “steal up on”?
| Root Verb | steal up on |
| Third Person Singular Present | steals up on |
| Present Participle | stealing up on |
| Simple Past | stole up on |
| Past Participle | stolen up on |
Example
The cat stole up on the bird in the garden.
Example
He steals up on his friends to surprise them.
Example
She is stealing up on her sister to give her a surprise hug.
Example
The thief stole up on the house without making a sound.
Example
The ninja had stolen up on the enemy camp during the night.
What kind of phrasal verb is “steal up on”?
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.)
Transitive verb
“steal up on” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The cat stole up on the bird.
Example
He stole up on his friends.
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 on” 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 on the bird.
Example
He stole up on his friends.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “steal up on”?
Good things to know
Does “steal up on” have an informal or formal tone?
Steal up on 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.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “steal up on”?
Synonyms
- sneak up on
- creep up on
- approach stealthily
- slink up to
- skulk up to
Antonyms
- approach loudly
- approach openly
- reveal oneself
- make noise
