are free of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are free of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the absence of something undesirable or unwanted in a particular context. Example: "The final product is guaranteed to be free of any harmful chemicals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

These ideas are free of charge.

The New Yorker

They are free of these subtle judgements.

The New York Times

Few changes are free of any cost.

The Economist

Cots are free of charge.

The Telegraph

Next Returns are free of charge.

The Guardian - Money

All events are free of charge.

The New York Times

Both events are free of charge.

The New York Times

And we are free of him, too.

The Guardian

The pollsters are free of cynical scrutiny.

The New York Times - Sports

Job postings are free of charge.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Routine vaccines are free-of-charge.

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are free of", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being absent or avoided. Specificity enhances clarity and prevents misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "are free of" in situations where a more specific term would be more appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "the product is free of issues", specify what kind of issues are absent (e.g. "the product is free of defects").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are free of" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a subject as being without something. It indicates the absence of a particular element, characteristic, or condition. Ludwig provides examples that show it is used to express a lack of something undesirable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are free of" is a versatile expression used to indicate the absence of something. Ludwig's analysis confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used across diverse fields like news, academia, and science. It serves the purpose of assuring or informing an audience of the lack of a particular attribute, usually to emphasize a positive aspect. Alternatives like "are devoid of" and "are without" offer similar meanings, though "are devoid of" has a stronger connotation. It's important to use "are free of" with specificity to avoid overgeneralization and ensure clarity in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are devoid of

Emphasizes a complete absence, often of something negative or undesirable. It's a more formal way to express "are free of".

are without

Indicates the absence of something, often in a more general sense. Simpler and more direct.

are exempt from

Specifically denotes a state of being excused or not subject to a particular rule or requirement.

are clear of

Implies a removal or avoidance of something, suggesting a previous presence or potential for encounter.

are not subject to

Highlights a lack of obligation or constraint, often used in legal or regulatory contexts.

are immune to

Indicates a resistance or protection against something, usually negative or harmful.

are excused from

Specifies that someone or something does not need to fulfill a particular duty or expectation.

are absolved of

Implies a release from blame or responsibility, often used in a moral or ethical context.

are independent of

Stresses the lack of influence or control from an external source.

are unencumbered by

Suggests a state of being without burdens or obstacles, allowing for greater freedom and ease.

FAQs

How can I use "are free of" in a sentence?

You can use "are free of" to indicate the absence of something, for example, "These apples "are free of pesticides"" or "The service "is free of charge"".

What's the difference between "are free of" and "are devoid of"?

"Are free of" generally indicates the absence of something, while "are devoid of" suggests a complete lack or emptiness. "Are devoid of" is often stronger and more emphatic.

What can I say instead of "are free of"?

You can use alternatives such as "are without", "contain no", or "are exempt from" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "are free of charge"?

While "are free of charge" is common, consider using "free" or "no cost" for brevity, especially in informal contexts. In legal or formal settings, "free of charge" may be preferred for clarity.