'Steal' means to take something without permission; 'steel' is the strong metal alloy.
Verb. To take something belonging to another person without permission or right.
Someone tried to steal her bag on the subway.
He was caught trying to steal confidential files.
Don't steal credit for your colleagues' work.
Noun/adjective. A hard, strong alloy of iron and carbon. Also used figuratively for something very strong or unyielding.
The bridge is built from reinforced steel and concrete.
She had nerves of steel during the negotiation.
Stainless steel cutlery does not rust easily.
Common mistake
Writing 'steel' when talking about theft: "He tried to steel my phone" (correct: steal). Or 'steal' when talking about the metal: "A steal beam" (correct: steel beam).
Trick to remember it
'Steal' has 'teal' hidden inside — you sneak away like a teal-coloured shadow. 'Steel' has double E for extra-extra strong — the metal is doubly tough.
Quick rule
Is it the act of taking without permission? 'Steal'. Is it the hard, strong metal? 'Steel'.
Did you know?
The 19th-century Industrial Revolution was powered by steel. The Bessemer process (1856) allowed mass production of cheap steel, making railways, steamships, and skyscrapers possible on a massive scale.
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
The new skyscraper features a _____ frame that can withstand high winds.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
It is illegal to _____ intellectual property, even if it is digital.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Is it the act of taking without permission? 'Steal'. Is it the hard, strong metal? 'Steel'.
Writing 'steel' when talking about theft: "He tried to steel my phone" (correct: steal). Or 'steal' when talking about the metal: "A steal beam" (correct: steel beam).
'Steal' has 'teal' hidden inside — you sneak away like a teal-coloured shadow. 'Steel' has double E for extra-extra strong — the metal is doubly tough.
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy