Root out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Root out" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the act of eliminating or eradicating something undesirable. Example: "The organization aims to root out corruption within its ranks." Alternative expressions include "eliminate," "eradicate," and "remove."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He has refused to root out corruption.

The New York Times

We must root out this evil".

The New York Times - Books

"It's just been impossible to root out".

The New York Times - Sports

Only democracy can root out terrorism".

The New York Times

The framework will help "root out bad teaching", he said.

The Guardian

But did he root, out and out, for that result?

The New York Times

[Laughter.] He [Putin] has pledged to root out corruption.

The New York Times

We have to root out the causes of the violence.

The New York Times

Plant nothing else, and root out everything else.

The Guardian - Books

Others use small plainclothes squads to root out a suspect.

The New York Times

"We will continue to methodically root out the Baathists".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Root out" when you want to convey the idea of actively and thoroughly removing something negative or undesirable. It's particularly effective when referring to problems like corruption or injustice.

Common error

While "Root out" is generally acceptable, avoid using it in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or technical vocabulary might be preferred. Consider alternatives like "eradicate" or "eliminate" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Root out" is as a phrasal verb. It combines the verb "root" with the particle "out" to create a new verb with a distinct meaning, specifically to eliminate or eradicate something undesirable. Ludwig provides many examples where the phrase is used in this way.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Root out" is a frequently used phrasal verb that signifies the thorough removal or eradication of something undesirable. As shown by Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and it commonly appears in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for general and professional writing, avoiding overly formal academic settings where more precise alternatives might be preferred. Ludwig examples highlight that "Root out" is useful for expressing the act of addressing and solving problems by eliminating their underlying causes. Related phrases like "eradicate completely" or "stamp out" offer nuanced alternatives depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Eradicate completely

Focuses on the act of complete removal, similar to eliminating entirely.

Eliminate entirely

Emphasizes the complete removal of something undesirable.

Get rid of completely

More informal, but conveys the same idea of removing something unwanted.

Stamp out

Suggests forceful suppression and elimination.

Weed out

Implies careful selection to remove undesirable elements from a larger group.

Uproot

Focuses on removing something from its foundation or source.

Deracinate

A more formal synonym for uprooting, emphasizing the removal of something from its roots.

Extirpate

A formal term signifying the complete destruction or removal of something.

Discover

Highlights the aspect of finding or uncovering something through searching.

Uncover

Focuses on revealing something hidden or concealed.

FAQs

How can I use "Root out" in a sentence?

"Root out" is a phrasal verb that means to eliminate or eradicate something completely. For example, "The government is committed to "root out corruption"".

What are some synonyms for "Root out"?

Alternatives to "Root out" include "eradicate completely", "eliminate entirely", "stamp out", or "weed out", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "Root out" or "Eradicate"?

While both "Root out" and "Eradicate" convey a similar meaning, "Eradicate" is generally considered more formal. "Root out" is suitable for general use, while "Eradicate" might be preferred in academic or highly formal contexts.

Can "Root out" be used in all types of writing?

While versatile, "Root out" is most appropriate for news, general interest, and professional writing. In highly formal or scientific contexts, consider more precise alternatives like "eliminate entirely" or "eradicate completely".