Steel and Steal
Steel and steal are sometimes confused. They are called homophones because they sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. So, steel or steal. Which one should you use and when?
Steel
Steel is both a noun, verb and part of an Idiom.
As a noun, it is a strong metal made from iron and carbon used in construction and manufacturing.
Examples
- The bridge was constructed using high-quality steel.
- Most high-rise modern buildings are steel framed.
- The car bodywork was made of steel.
- Stainless steel does not rust because it contains chromium, which reacts with oxygen to form a protective surface layer.
- Safety barriers are made from steel.
Steel as part of an Idiom
Steel as a noun can also be incorporated within an idiomatic phrase.
- She had nerves of steel.
This means she had the ability to remain calm and composed in a situation which was stressful.
Steel as a verb means to gather the courage and mental strength necessary to prepare for a difficult situation. The verb originates from the notion of making oneself as strong as steel armour. Consequently, it can be part of an idiomatic expression – an expression that conveys a figurative meaning.
Examples
- He had to steel himself for the difficult conversation ahead.
- She steeled herself before giving the speech.
- The athletes steeled themselves before the endurance tests began.
- Pupils steeled themselves before explaining their conduct to the headmaster.
- Despite the daunting challenge, he steeled himself to succeed.
Steal
Steal is a verb and means to take something dishonestly from someone else without permission or legal right.
Example:
- He tried to steal a chocolate bar from the newsagent.
- The cost of stealing from shops results in higher retail prices for everyone.
- She caught someone attempting to steal her wallet.
- He tried to steal a car from the station car park.
Just imagine
A nervous robber attempted to thieve metal fasteners from a factory, when he was apprehended by the security guard. The guard mocked the nervous thief with the words “You haven’t the nerves of steel necessary to steal steel from this place.”
Quick recap
Steel
- as a noun is a strong metal.
- as a verb can also be part of an idiomatic expression such as to
‘steel oneself.’ - as a noun can also be part of an idiomatic expression such as ‘She had nerves of steel.’
Steal
- is a verb and means to take something dishonestly from someone else without permission or legal right.
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