Are you not a thief? vs Do you not steal?

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. 'Are you not a thief?' is a more formal and direct way of asking if someone is a thief. 'Do you not steal?' is also correct but sounds a bit more literary or old-fashioned. Both can be used depending on the context and the tone you want to convey.

Last updated: March 15, 2024 • 852 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"Are you not a thief?"

This phrase is a formal and direct way of asking if someone is a thief. It is commonly used in conversations or situations where a more serious tone is required.

Show examples from the web [+]

Feb 6, 2014 ... But I mean, if you're profiting off someone else's theft, are you not a thief as well? 4Reply. Flagged. Show more repliesShow more replies in this ...
1 · March 4 at 10:27am. Remove. Remove. John Iboyi if apc leaders are thieves, pdp leaders are armed robbers, you, are you not a thief? March 12 at 11:02am.
... “thieves of the sea are termed 'enemies of humanity.'” “Except by those who hire them,” Gaunt countered. “And are you not a thief?” “Of the land! Very different .
He stepped away from the wall. She heard him, and turned. "Who are you? Not a thief, despite your furtive arrival, if you make yourself known." "Nay, not a thief.".

Alternatives:

Are you a thief?
Aren't you a thief?
You're not a thief, are you?
You wouldn't steal, would you?
You're not stealing, are you?

This phrase is correct but sounds a bit more literary or old-fashioned.

"Do you not steal?"

This phrase is also a way of asking if someone steals, but it may sound more formal or old-fashioned compared to 'Are you not a thief?' It can be used in literary contexts or when a more sophisticated tone is desired.

Show examples from the web [+]

Dec 17, 2014 ... How Do You Not Steal From A Test Drive? If a car dealer were to give you a test drive on a car, how would they know that would not or could ...
Why do you not steal? I do not steal because I have no right to take what is not given. What is the good of giving up stealing? I become honest and will not be ...
Do you NOT steal because your conscious won't allow it or because you don't want to go to jail? When you go to court and asked to say the truth and NOTHING ...
Mar 8, 2014 ... How do you not steal them? I found one and I wanted to sell it but I had to steal it. How come in this video you can just open the stuff and take ...

Alternatives:

Do you steal?
Don't you steal?
Are you a thief?
You're not a thief, are you?
You wouldn't steal, would you?

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Are you not a thief? vs Do you not steal?