Generally, in modern usage, if *you* have *it,* and *I* take *it,* then *I* am **robbing *you* of *it*** and **stealing *it* from *you***. Why? Because that's the way these verbs work. It used to be the case that one could say that *I* was **robbing *it* from *you***, although this usage is apparently rare now. Note the following [usage note](http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rob) from Merrian-Webster: > Sense *vt* 1c, in which the direct object is the thing stolen, is sometimes considered to be wrong, or perhaps archaic. The sense has been in use since the 13th century and is found in earlier literature <contrive to *rob* the honey and subvert the hive — John Dryden>. It is still in use though not as common as other senses <then *robbed* $100 after the clerk fled — *Springfield (Massachusetts) Morning Union*>.