Stole vs. Stolen: Mastering the Past Tense of "Steal"

Understanding the correct past tense forms of irregular verbs like “steal” is crucial for clear and accurate communication in English. The words “stole” and “stolen” both relate to the verb “steal,” but they function differently in sentences.

Knowing when to use “stole” versus “stolen” is essential for constructing grammatically correct sentences and avoiding common errors. This article provides a comprehensive guide to mastering these forms, covering definitions, structural breakdowns, usage rules, and practice exercises.

This guide is beneficial for English language learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced students, as well as native speakers looking to refine their grammar skills.

Definition of “Steal,” “Stole,” and “Stolen”

To fully understand the difference between “stole” and “stolen,” it’s important to define each term and its grammatical function.

“Steal”

The word “steal” is a verb that means to take (something) without permission or legal right and without intending to return it. It is the base form of the verb.

“Stole”

The word “stole” is the simple past tense of the verb “steal.” It indicates that an action of stealing occurred and was completed at a specific time in the past. “Stole” is used independently as the main verb in a sentence.

“Stolen”

The word “stolen” is the past participle of the verb “steal.” It is used with auxiliary verbs (helping verbs) such as “have,” “has,” “had,” “is,” “are,” “was,” and “were” to form perfect tenses (e.g., present perfect, past perfect) and passive voice constructions. It cannot function as the main verb on its own.

Structural Breakdown

Understanding the structure of sentences using “stole” and “stolen” is crucial for correct usage.

“Stole” in Simple Past Tense

In simple past tense, “stole” is used directly after the subject of the sentence.

Structure: Subject + Stole + (Object/Complement)

Example: The thief stole the painting. (Subject: The thief; Verb: stole; Object: the painting)

“Stolen” in Perfect Tenses

In perfect tenses, “stolen” is used with an auxiliary verb (have, has, or had).

Structure: Subject + Have/Has/Had + Stolen + (Object/Complement)

Example: She has stolen my heart. (Subject: She; Auxiliary Verb: has; Past Participle: stolen; Object: my heart)

“Stolen” in Passive Voice

In the passive voice, “stolen” is used with a form of the verb “to be” (is, are, was, were, been, being).

Structure: Subject + Is/Are/Was/Were/Been/Being + Stolen + (By + Agent)

Example: The car was stolen last night. (Subject: The car; Auxiliary Verb: was; Past Participle: stolen)

Types and Categories of Verb Tenses

To better understand the usage of “stole” and “stolen,” it’s helpful to review the different verb tenses.

Simple Past Tense (“Stole”)

The simple past tense describes completed actions in the past. It is formed using the past tense form of the verb.

Example: He stole the money yesterday.

Present Perfect Tense (“Has/Have Stolen”)

The present perfect tense describes actions that started in the past and continue to have relevance in the present. It is formed using “has” or “have” + past participle.

Example: She has stolen several glances at him.

Past Perfect Tense (“Had Stolen”)

The past perfect tense describes an action that was completed before another action in the past. It is formed using “had” + past participle.

Example: By the time the police arrived, the thief had stolen all the jewels.

Passive Voice (“Was/Were Stolen”)

The passive voice is used when the subject of the sentence receives the action, rather than performs it. It is formed using a form of “to be” + past participle.

Example: The bicycle was stolen from the park.

Examples of “Stole” and “Stolen” in Sentences

The best way to understand the difference between “stole” and “stolen” is to see them used in various contexts. Below are several examples.

Examples of “Stole” (Simple Past Tense)

The following table provides examples of “stole” used in the simple past tense, demonstrating its role as the main verb indicating a completed action in the past. Notice that each sentence includes a subject performing the act of stealing, and the tense is always simple past.

Sentence	Explanation
The child stole a cookie from the jar.	The child performed the action of stealing a cookie.
He stole my parking spot.	He took my parking spot unfairly.
The cat stole my seat while I was gone.	The cat took my seat without permission.
She stole the show with her amazing performance.	She was the most impressive performer.
My neighbor stole some flowers from my garden.	My neighbor took flowers from my garden without my permission.
A pickpocket stole his wallet on the train.	A pickpocket took his wallet.
The company stole the idea from a smaller startup.	The company unfairly took the idea.
He stole a glance at her across the room.	He quickly looked at her.
The dog stole the meat from the table.	The dog took the meat.
She stole a kiss from him.	She kissed him quickly.
The wind stole my hat and blew it away.	The wind blew my hat away.
A squirrel stole the birdseed from the feeder.	A squirrel took the birdseed.
The magician stole the watch without anyone noticing.	The magician secretly took the watch.
He stole a base during the baseball game.	He successfully stole a base.
The thief stole the painting from the museum.	The thief took the painting.
She stole the spotlight at the event.	She was the center of attention.
Someone stole his identity and opened credit cards in his name.	Someone took his identity.
The government stole land from the indigenous people.	The government took land unfairly.
He stole her heart with his charm and wit.	He won her affection.
The darkness stole the light from the room.	The darkness took the light.

Examples of “Stolen” (Perfect Tenses)

The following table illustrates the use of “stolen” in perfect tenses (present perfect and past perfect). “Stolen” always appears with an auxiliary verb such as “has,” “have,” or “had.” These tenses indicate actions completed at an unspecified time in the past or before another past action.

Sentence	Explanation
My car has been stolen!	The car was stolen at some point in the past, and it’s still missing.
They have stolen millions of dollars in the scam.	Millions of dollars were stolen at some point in the past.
She had stolen the documents before anyone noticed.	The documents were stolen before another event occurred.
He has stolen my idea and claimed it as his own.	My idea was stolen at some point in the past.
The painting had been stolen before the museum opened.	The painting was stolen before another event occurred.
All the cookies have been stolen from the cookie jar.	All the cookies were stolen at some point in the past.
I have never stolen anything in my life.	I have never committed the act of stealing.
The jewels had been stolen long before the police arrived.	The jewels were stolen before another event occurred.
He has stolen the hearts of many fans with his music.	He has gained the affection of many fans.
The secret recipe has been stolen from the company.	The secret recipe was stolen at some point in the past.
She had stolen glances at him all evening.	She had looked at him secretly throughout the evening.
His identity has been stolen, and he is trying to recover.	His identity was stolen, and he is trying to recover.
The ancient artifact had been stolen from the tomb centuries ago.	The artifact was stolen long ago.
They have stolen our chance to win the competition.	They have taken away our chance to win.
The data has been stolen in a cyberattack.	The data was stolen during a cyberattack.
He had stolen a car when he was a teenager.	He had committed the act of stealing a car.
My bike has been stolen from right outside my house.	My bike was stolen from right outside my house.
The election has been stolen through voter suppression tactics.	The election was unfairly taken.
She had stolen a moment of peace and quiet before the chaos began.	She had taken a moment of peace and quiet.
His work has been stolen and published under someone else’s name.	His work was stolen and published under someone else’s name.

Examples of “Stolen” (Passive Voice)

This table presents sentences using “stolen” in the passive voice. Here, the subject receives the action, emphasizing what was stolen rather than who stole it.

“Stolen” is used with forms of the verb “to be” (e.g., “is,” “was,” “were,” “been”).

Sentence	Explanation
The money was stolen from the bank.	Someone stole the money from the bank.
The painting is said to have been stolen by a notorious art thief.	A notorious art thief stole the painting.
Her purse was stolen while she was shopping.	Someone stole her purse.
The car was stolen and later found abandoned.	Someone stole the car.
The jewels were stolen during the night.	Someone stole the jewels during the night.
The bicycle was stolen from the front yard.	Someone stole the bicycle from the front yard.
The secret recipe was stolen by a competitor.	A competitor stole the secret recipe.
The information was stolen in a cyberattack.	Someone stole the information in a cyberattack.
The land was stolen from the indigenous people.	Someone stole the land from the indigenous people.
The opportunity was stolen from him due to unfair practices.	Someone stole the opportunity from him.
The election was stolen through voter fraud.	Someone stole the election through voter fraud.
The hope was stolen from the refugees.	Someone stole the hope from the refugees.
The childhood was stolen from the young soldiers.	Someone stole the childhood from the young soldiers.
The peace was stolen by the war.	The war stole the peace.
The spotlight was stolen by another actor.	Another actor stole the spotlight.
The moment was stolen by an interruption.	An interruption stole the moment.
The victory was stolen due to a biased referee.	A biased referee stole the victory.
The data was stolen and sold on the dark web.	Someone stole the data and sold it on the dark web.
The trust was stolen by the betrayal.	The betrayal stole the trust.
The future was stolen from the next generation.	Someone stole the future from the next generation.

Usage Rules for “Stole” and “Stolen”

To use “stole” and “stolen” correctly, follow these rules:

Rule 1: Use “Stole” for Simple Past Tense

Use “stole” to indicate that an action of stealing happened and was completed in the past, without any auxiliary verbs.

Example: The burglar stole the jewelry last night.

Rule 2: Use “Stolen” with Auxiliary Verbs for Perfect Tenses

Use “stolen” with auxiliary verbs like “have,” “has,” or “had” to form perfect tenses (present perfect, past perfect).

Example: Someone has stolen my wallet.

Example: She had stolen the key before I arrived.

Rule 3: Use “Stolen” with Forms of “To Be” for Passive Voice

Use “stolen” with forms of the verb “to be” (is, are, was, were, been, being) to form passive voice constructions.

Example: The car was stolen from the parking lot.

Rule 4: Subject-Verb Agreement

Ensure that the auxiliary verb agrees with the subject of the sentence. Use “has” with singular subjects and “have” with plural subjects.

Correct: He has stolen the money.

Correct: They have stolen the money.

Rule 5: Correct Tense Usage

Make sure to use the correct perfect tense depending on the context. Use present perfect for actions with present relevance and past perfect for actions completed before another past action.

Exceptions and Special Cases

There are no specific exceptions to these rules. However, pay attention to the context and ensure that the correct tense is being used to convey the intended meaning.

Common Mistakes

Here are some common mistakes people make when using “stole” and “stolen,” along with corrections.

Mistake 1: Using “Stolen” as a Simple Past Tense Verb

Incorrect: He stolen the book.

Correct: He stole the book.

Explanation: “Stolen” requires an auxiliary verb (e.g., has, have, had) to be used correctly.

Mistake 2: Omitting the Auxiliary Verb with “Stolen”

Incorrect: She stolen my heart.

Correct: She has stolen my heart.

Explanation: “Stolen” is a past participle and needs an auxiliary verb to form a perfect tense.

Mistake 3: Using the Wrong Auxiliary Verb

Incorrect: He have stolen the car.

Correct: He has stolen the car.

Explanation: The auxiliary verb must agree with the subject. “He” is singular, so it needs “has.”

Mistake 4: Confusing Active and Passive Voice

Incorrect: The bank stole the money. (when the intention is to say that the money was taken *from* the bank)

Correct: The money was stolen from the bank.

Explanation: Make sure the sentence reflects who is performing the action. In this case, the money is the subject receiving the action.

Mistake 5: Using “Steal” Instead of “Stole” in Simple Past

Incorrect: Yesterday, he steal my apple.

Correct: Yesterday, he stole my apple.

Explanation: Use the correct past tense form “stole” for completed past actions.

The table below provides a quick reference for common mistakes and corrections:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
He stolen the book.	He stole the book.	“Stolen” needs an auxiliary verb.
She stolen my heart.	She has stolen my heart.	“Stolen” needs an auxiliary verb.
He have stolen the car.	He has stolen the car.	Auxiliary verb must agree with the subject.
The bank stole the money. (when money was taken from the bank)	The money was stolen from the bank.	Use the correct voice (active vs. passive).
Yesterday, he steal my apple.	Yesterday, he stole my apple.	Use the past tense “stole.”

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of “stole” and “stolen” with these practice exercises.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks (“Stole” or “Stolen”)

Choose the correct form, “stole” or “stolen,” to complete each sentence.

Question	Answer
1. The thief _______ the painting from the museum.	stole
2. My bike has been _______.	stolen
3. He _______ a glance at her across the room.	stole
4. The documents had been _______ before the police arrived.	stolen
5. Someone _______ my wallet on the bus.	stole
6. All the cookies were _______ from the jar.	stolen
7. She _______ the show with her amazing performance.	stole
8. The car was _______ and abandoned in the woods.	stolen
9. He has _______ my idea and is trying to pass it off as his own.	stolen
10. The secret was _______ from me.	stolen

Exercise 2: Identify the Correct Sentence

Choose the grammatically correct sentence from each pair.

Question	Answer
1. a) She stole the money. b) She stolen the money.	a) She stole the money.
2. a) The car was stole. b) The car was stolen.	b) The car was stolen.
3. a) He has stole my heart. b) He has stolen my heart.	b) He has stolen my heart.
4. a) They had stolen the jewels. b) They had stole the jewels.	a) They had stolen the jewels.
5. a) I stole a cookie. b) I stolen a cookie.	a) I stole a cookie.
6. a) My wallet has been stole. b) My wallet has been stolen.	b) My wallet has been stolen.
7. a) She has stole the show. b) She has stolen the show.	b) She has stolen the show.
8. a) The bike was stole from the yard. b) The bike was stolen from the yard.	b) The bike was stolen from the yard.
9. a) He stole a glance at her. b) He stolen a glance at her.	a) He stole a glance at her.
10. a) The documents were stolen. b) The documents were stole.	a) The documents were stolen.

Exercise 3: Rewrite the Sentences (Active to Passive Voice)

Rewrite the following active sentences in the passive voice, using “stolen.”

Question	Answer
1. Someone stole my car.	My car was stolen.
2. The thief stole the jewels.	The jewels were stolen by the thief.
3. A hacker stole the data.	The data was stolen by a hacker.
4. The competitor stole the idea.	The idea was stolen by the competitor.
5. Someone stole the secret recipe.	The secret recipe was stolen.
6. The wind stole my hat.	My hat was stolen by the wind.
7. A pickpocket stole his wallet.	His wallet was stolen by a pickpocket.
8. The cat stole the fish.	The fish was stolen by the cat.
9. The dog stole the bone.	The bone was stolen by the dog.
10. The bird stole the bread.	The bread was stolen by the bird.

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, let’s explore more complex aspects of using “stole” and “stolen.”

Figurative Language

“Steal” and “stolen” can be used figuratively to describe non-literal theft. For example, “She stole the show” means she was the most impressive performer, not that she literally stole something.

Nuances in Meaning

The choice between active and passive voice can subtly change the emphasis of a sentence. Active voice focuses on the actor, while passive voice focuses on the action and the receiver of the action.

Literary Usage

In literature, “steal” and “stolen” can be used to create vivid imagery and convey deeper meanings. Authors may use these words to explore themes of loss, injustice, or moral ambiguity.

Idiomatic Expressions

English includes several idiomatic expressions using “steal” or related words. Understanding these idioms can enhance comprehension and fluency.

Steal someone’s thunder: To take the credit for someone else’s idea or accomplishment.
Steal a march on someone: To gain an advantage over someone, often secretly.

Cross-Cultural Considerations

The concept of “stealing” can have different cultural connotations. For example, in some cultures, taking small items without permission might be considered less serious than in others.

Understanding these nuances can help avoid misunderstandings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about “stole” and “stolen.”

Q: What is the difference between “steal,” “stole,” and “stolen”?

A: “Steal” is the base form of the verb. “Stole” is the simple past tense, used to describe a completed action in the past. “Stolen” is the past participle, used with auxiliary verbs in perfect tenses and passive voice constructions.
Q: When do I use “stole”?

A: Use “stole” to describe a completed action of stealing in the past, without any auxiliary verbs. For example, “The thief stole the money.”
Q: When do I use “stolen”?

A: Use “stolen” with auxiliary verbs like “have,” “has,” or “had” in perfect tenses (e.g., “She has stolen my heart”). Also, use “stolen” with forms of “to be” (is, are, was, were) in passive voice constructions (e.g., “The car was stolen”).
Q: Can I use “stolen” without an auxiliary verb?

A: No, “stolen” is a past participle and requires an auxiliary verb to form a complete verb phrase. It cannot function as the main verb on its own.
Q: What is the passive voice?

A: The passive voice is used when the subject of the sentence receives the action, rather than performs it. For example, “The book was stolen” (the book received the action of being stolen). In contrast, the active voice is “Someone stole the book” (someone performed the action of stealing).
Q: How do I form the past perfect tense with “stolen”?

A: The past perfect tense is formed using “had” + “stolen.” For example, “By the time the police arrived, the thief had stolen all the jewels.”
Q: What is an auxiliary verb?

A: An auxiliary verb, also known as a helping verb, is used with a main verb to form a complete verb phrase. Examples include “have,” “has,” “had,” “is,” “are,” “was,” and “were.”
Q: Is “stole” an irregular verb?

A: Yes, “steal” is an irregular verb because its past tense (“stole”) and past participle (“stolen”) are not formed by adding “-ed” to the base form.
Q: How can I remember when to use “stole” versus “stolen”?

A: Remember that “stole” stands alone as the simple past tense verb. “Stolen” always needs a helping verb (has, have, had, is, are, was, were) to complete the verb phrase.
Q: What are some other examples of irregular verbs like “steal”?

A: Other irregular verbs include “go” (went, gone), “eat” (ate, eaten), “see” (saw, seen), and “write” (wrote, written). Like “steal,” these verbs have unique past tense and past participle forms that must be memorized.

Conclusion

Mastering the correct usage of “stole” and “stolen” is essential for clear and accurate communication in English. “Stole” is the simple past tense, used independently to describe completed actions in the past.

“Stolen” is the past participle, requiring auxiliary verbs to form perfect tenses and passive voice constructions. By understanding these rules and practicing with examples, you can avoid common mistakes and improve your overall grammar skills.

Remember to pay attention to the context of the sentence and choose the correct form to convey your intended meaning effectively. Keep practicing, and you’ll soon master these verb forms!