What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
theft
Example
The theft of the jewelry was reported to the police. [theft: noun]
Example
He was arrested for attempting to steal a car. [steal: verb]
robbery
Example
The convenience store was robbed at gunpoint last night. [robbed: past tense]
Example
She was a victim of a robbery on her way home from work. [robbery: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Theft is more commonly used than robbery in everyday language. Theft is a broader term that covers a wider range of situations, while robbery is a more specific term that refers to a crime that involves the use of force or violence.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between theft and robbery?
Both theft and robbery are formal terms that are used in legal and official contexts. However, robbery is considered a more serious crime and is associated with a more formal tone than theft.
