TextRanch
The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,062,726 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

1. Input your text below.
2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors.
3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

TextRanch Editors

furtively vs by stealth

Both 'furtively' and 'by stealth' are correct phrases that convey a sense of secrecy or stealthiness. They can be used interchangeably in sentences where someone is trying to do something in a secretive or sneaky manner.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 859 views

The word 'furtively' is correct and commonly used in English to describe actions done in a secretive or sneaky manner.

"furtively"

It is an adverb that describes how an action is performed in a secretive or sneaky way.

Examples:

  • He glanced furtively over his shoulder to see if anyone was watching.
  • She moved furtively through the dark alley, trying to avoid being seen.
  • You don't want a son who spends his life furtively seeking out...
  • He wiped his nose with one finger, looking around furtively.
  • Their impact on the environment and on local species and other potential risks resulting from their spread are probably underestimated, as well as their potential to proliferate furtively.
  • In the midst of the darkness of the night,... ...my eyes made out a human figure furtively entering...
  • Furtively we'll scoff and quaff Stealing what in truth is mine
  • The key point is that they do it furtively.
  • Dangababo, one of his pupils, decided to take a picture of him furtively.
  • If it wishes to be credible, Parliament has a responsibility to prevent the Non-Proliferation Treaty from being furtively undermined in the harmonization of the common foreign and security policy.
  • [He was acting rather furtively and had rather a heavy suitcase...] [... concealed beneath his cloak.]
  • Surely it works against the interests of our producers to propose furtively, in an appendix to the resolution, amendments which penalize European exports in the field of large-scale agriculture and cereals, for the benefit of promotional budgets which are intended to highlight generic products?
  • In their attempt to escape and ultimately do what they wish, children learn to act secretively and furtively, telling lies.
  • Mr President, the European Union has, in my country and elsewhere too, a richly deserved reputation for taking its decisions furtively, secretly and surreptitiously.
  • Last night I furtively spoke to the glass-blowers when the police left.
  • Once my mother scopr? I did the reeds and prov? various psychological approaches for me to stop but took dell'erba among the jewels and I sometimes furtively it staccavo a small piece and the rimpiazzavo with oregano.
  • At dead of night have I not often seen you... ...moving furtively and restlessly in the shadows?

Alternatives:

  • secretly
  • sneakily
  • covertly
  • stealthily
  • clandestinely

The phrase 'by stealth' is correct and can be used to describe actions carried out in a secretive or sneaky manner.

"by stealth"

It is a prepositional phrase that indicates the method or manner in which an action is performed secretly.

Examples:

  • The thief entered the house by stealth, careful not to make any noise.
  • She achieved her goal by stealth, without anyone noticing her actions.
  • By the way, a few of my colleagues and I are protesting in a statement that the Commission wants to introduce new GMOs to Europe by stealth.
  • I shall continue to do so because I see this as a dangerous precedent, opening the door to a Europe of the regions by stealth - something I totally reject.
  • Or, if he do, it needs must be by stealth.
  • Many of the national immigration policies have in the past been simply conducted by stealth.
  • You gained entry to the castle by stealth...
  • You gained entry to the castle by stealth and now you must leave in the same way.
  • Mr President, I would like to ask Mr Swoboda whether he agrees with the view that the crisis is being used in certain Member States as a tool for relieving citizens of their assets by stealth.
  • While we are trying to create a common market, we have actually, by stealth, created a common country.
  • Of the 19 proposals only 3 are of a legislative nature and one of these, the proposal for cross-border health services, introduces the Bolkestein directive by stealth, since it adopts a neoliberal stance.
  • This is equivalent to acting by stealth, and, to quote Professor von Arnim, a researcher into political parties, to an undercover source of funding that may be turned on at any time at the taxpayer's cost.
  • It is not acceptable that we should move by stealth to denying citizens their rights as citizens, which citizenship grants them in Europe, by making competition the only measure of service provision.
  • The answer is "nothing" because there is nothing that can justify your agenda to control the political life of the nations of Europe by stealth, aided and abetted by the Heads of Government of Member States, not least the United Kingdom.
  • In the United Kingdom, for example, we have had a number of examples of ways in which bypasses around relatively small towns could be said to be linked together to make a motorway by stealth.
  • Likes to do good by stealth.
  • Now, if we're going to capture Gaudet alive and get back those uniforms, it'll have to be by stealth.
  • It is designed to approach by stealth, armed with nuclear warheads.
  • Subject: Packaging rules and inflation by stealth
  • In this context the EU is even threatening the Member States with infringement proceedings and there is talk of 'subsidising agriculture by stealth'.
  • This is about in-house information and not in any way about investment control by stealth.
  • That is fundamental in moving forward in of the human rights questions raised today and it is even happening almost by stealth.

Alternatives:

  • furtively
  • secretly
  • sneakily
  • covertly
  • clandestinely

Related Comparisons

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

  • Emails and short texts
  • Proofreading & editing
  • Ready in 5-10 minutes
SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

  • Documents of any type (*.docx)
  • Advanced & Premium editing
  • Ready in as little as 4 hours
UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

  • Personalized answers to your language questions
  • Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
  • Ready in 24 hours
ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Powered By Humans

TextRanch Editors

AI is a great tool, but when it comes to perfecting your writing, we rely on real human editors.

  • All our editors are native English speakers.
  • Each editor has passed a rigorous admission test to ensure quality.
  • Our global team is ready to correct any text, anytime.

MEET OUR EDITORS

TextRanch Editors

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

People Feedback 4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Profile picture of Zubair from Bangladesh

Zubair
from Bangladesh From

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Profile picture of Arturo from Mexico

Arturo
from Mexico From

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Profile picture of Selena from USA

Selena
from USA From

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Profile picture of Ifiok from Nigeria

Ifiok
from Nigeria From

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Profile picture of Wilson from France

Wilson
from France From

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Profile picture of Susan from Germany

Susan
from Germany From

Trusted by Hundreds Teams

Facebook logo
Accenture logo
Air Asia logo
AirBus logo
Amazon logo
Bayer logo
Decathlon logo
Docusign logo
Ebay logo
Fiverr logo
Fossil logo
Keller Williams logo
LinkedIn logo
Loreal logo
Motorola logo
Orange logo
Roche logo
Salesforce logo
Stellantis logo