These two verbs are so very often confused, as in Spanish there is only one word for both meanings.
In simplified terms, we use “steal” when the entire thing we are talking about was taken:
- My car was stolen (I don’t have a car anymore)
- Someone stole my phone (I don’t have a phone)
- She stole my purse (She took my entire purse)
We use “rob” when something was taken from the item we are talking about, but not the entire thing:
- The bank was robbed (Someone took the money from the bank)
- Someone robbed my car (I still have the car, but not the things in it)
- The robbed my bag (I still have the bag but not the things in it)
Now it’s your turn to test yourselves on how well you understand these two verbs. Fill in the gaps with either “steal” or “rob”:
- These people __________ me. They __________ my bag and now I have nothing on me.
- They were planning to __________ that bank for years. They __________ 2 million euro.
- It’s very easy for someone to __________ your phone.
- People get their phones __________ every day.
- People in Barcelona are __________ very often.
- They __________ anything of value, so be careful.
- Our neighbour’s house was __________.
- They __________ only jewelry and money.
- Don’t leave your bag on the car seat, coz someone might __________ it.
- They __________ our car. They took my laptop and bag from it.
- They __________ my motorbike. I can’t find it.
- I can’t believe it. They __________ my bike. They opened the box and took my bags.
How did it go?
Write to us in the comments section of any questions or doubts you may have.
