What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
robber
Example
The bank robber was caught by the police. [robber: noun]
Example
He was robbed at gunpoint on his way home. [robbed: past tense verb]
thief
Example
The thief stole my wallet while I was distracted. [thief: noun]
Example
She was caught shoplifting from the store. [shoplifting: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Thief is more commonly used than robber in everyday language. Thief is a more general term that covers a wider range of contexts, while robber is more specific and often associated with more serious crimes.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between robber and thief?
Both robber and thief are considered formal words and are used in legal or official contexts. However, thief is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while robber is more commonly used in formal or legal settings.
