to reform you and your thieving ways

Question

OK! I'll make you a deal. You stop analyzing me and my boat. I'll try my best to reform you and your thieving ways.

I wonder if "your thieving ways" in the above can be replaced by "your theft/thefty/stealing ways?" If not, why not? Thanks.

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

OK! I'll make you a deal. You stop analyzing me and my boat. I'll try my best to reform you and your thieving ways.

I wonder if "your thieving ways" in the above can be replaced by "your theft/thefty/stealing ways?" If not, why not?

'Theft ways' is not idiomatic. 'The adjective form 'thieving ways' is better, and more idiomatic. 'Thefty' is not a word.'Stealing ways' is not idiomatic.

This obviously needs a suitable context.

'To reform you' seems a little bit formal to me when used along with a colloquial term like 'I'll make you a deal'.

Best wishes, Clive

Angliholic · Answer

CliveHi,

OK! I'll make you a deal. You stop analyzing me and my boat. I'll try my best to reform you and your thieving ways.

I wonder if "your thieving ways" in the above can be replaced by "your theft/thefty/stealing ways?" If not, why not?

'Theft ways' is not idiomatic. 'The adjective form 'thieving ways' is better, and more idiomatic. 'Thefty' is not a word.'Stealing ways' is not idiomatic.

This obviously needs a suitable context.

'To reform you' seems a little bit formal to me when used along with a colloquial term like 'I'll make you a deal'.

Best wishes, Clive

Thanks, Clive.

to reform you and your thieving ways

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