Bereft of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Bereft of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a state of being deprived of something, often conveying a sense of loss or emptiness. Example: "After the sudden departure of her best friend, she felt bereft of joy and companionship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Bereft of genuinely juicy players.

The New York Times

Bereft of jewels and title.

The New York Times - Magazine

Bereft of life, 'e rests in peace!

The Guardian

Bereft of that alternative, what remains?

The New York Times

Bereft of leaves, they hardly move in the wind.

The New Yorker

Bereft of these possibilities, I turn to Ottolenghi's introduction instead.

The New York Times

Bereft of the dog, my mind sought occupation.

The New York Times

Bereft of a clearcut hero.

Huffington Post

Bereft of a clear-cut hero.

Huffington Post

Bereft of life, he rests in peace.

Huffington Post

Bereft of life, it rests in peace!

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bereft of" to add a touch of formality and emotional weight when describing a significant absence or loss. For instance, "The landscape was "bereft of" color after the long winter."

Common error

Avoid using "bereft of" in casual or informal contexts, as it can sound overly dramatic or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "lacking" or "without" in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bereft of" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of lacking something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound way to express deprivation. The examples from Ludwig illustrate this function, showing items or entities missing essential qualities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bereft of" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to express the absence of something, often carrying a connotation of loss. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. While not overly formal, it is best suited for neutral to slightly formal contexts, such as news articles or descriptive writing. Its synonyms include "lacking in" and "devoid of", but "bereft of" often adds a touch more emotional weight. As shown by Ludwig examples, the phrase is most frequently used in news and media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Lacking in

Emphasizes a deficiency or absence of something.

Devoid of

Indicates a complete absence or emptiness.

Without

A more straightforward and common way to express the absence of something.

Absent of

Similar to "without", but slightly more formal.

Deprived of

Highlights the act of taking something away, resulting in a lack.

Wanting in

Highlights a deficiency or lack, often in a specific quality.

Missing

Implies something is not present where it should be.

Empty of

Suggests a state of being completely without something, emphasizing emptiness.

In need of

Focuses on the requirement for something that is currently absent.

Shorted of

Informal, meaning a scarcity or insufficiency.

FAQs

How to use "bereft of" in a sentence?

"Bereft of" is used to describe the absence of something, often with a sense of loss. For example: "The team, "bereft of its star player", struggled to score."

What can I say instead of "bereft of"?

Alternatives to "bereft of" include "lacking in", "devoid of", or simply "without", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "bereft of any"?

Yes, "bereft of any" is grammatically correct and used to emphasize a complete absence. For instance, "The argument was "bereft of any logical basis"."

What is the difference between "bereft of" and "devoid of"?

While both "bereft of" and "devoid of" indicate a lack, "bereft of" often carries a stronger emotional connotation of loss, while "devoid of" is more neutral. For example, one might be "bereft of hope" after a tragedy, but a desert is "devoid of" water.