be rid of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be rid of" is correct and usable in written English.
One can use it to convey the meaning that one wants to be relieved of a particular burden or to be freed from something. For example, "I want to be rid of this problem once and for all."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Better to be rid of it.

The New York Times

Opal is glad to be rid of it.

The New Yorker

The waiters couldn't be rid of me fast enough.

Independent

Sometimes Malcolm wishes to be rid of Bea.

The New Yorker

He was ready to be rid of company.

The New Yorker

Citigroup clearly wants to be rid of insurance.

The Economist

It is a great peace to be rid of them.

The New Yorker

Officials were happy to be rid of them.

The Economist

Your phone continually asks to be rid of them.

The New York Times

God knows when we will be rid of this".

The New York Times

He is delighted to be rid of them.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be rid of", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being eliminated or avoided. This phrase is effective for expressing a desire to be free from burdens, problems, or unwanted things.

Common error

Avoid using "be rid of" when a more active verb would create a clearer and more concise sentence. For instance, instead of "The weeds should be rid of", consider "You should remove the weeds".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be rid of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase expressing a desire or state of being free from something undesirable. It combines the verb "be" with the adjective "rid" and the preposition "of" to indicate release or removal. As Ludwig indicates, it conveys the meaning of wanting to be relieved of a burden or freed from something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be rid of" is a common prepositional phrase used to express the desire to be free from something undesirable. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for written English. Its frequency is high, particularly in News & Media sources. While generally neutral in tone, it can be adapted to fit various contexts where expressing relief or elimination is desired. Remember to use active voice when possible to increase the precision of expression. When looking for alternatives, consider options like "eliminate", "get free of", or "dispose of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be free from

Highlights the state of being without something undesirable.

get free of

Emphasizes achieving a state of freedom from something.

eliminate

Focuses on the act of completely removing something.

remove

Indicates the act of taking something away or off.

do away with

Implies a decision to stop using or practicing something.

dispose of

Focuses on the act of discarding or getting rid of something unwanted.

eradicate

Suggests a thorough and complete removal, often of something negative.

shake off

Implies an effort to free oneself from something clinging or bothersome.

abolish

Refers to formally putting an end to a system, practice, or institution.

cast off

Suggests a deliberate and forceful act of rejection or abandonment.

FAQs

What does "be rid of" mean?

The phrase "be rid of" means to be free from or relieved of something undesirable, such as a burden, problem, or unwanted person or thing.

What can I say instead of "be rid of"?

You can use alternatives like "eliminate", "get free of", or "dispose of" depending on the specific context.

How do I use "be rid of" in a sentence?

You can use "be rid of" to express a desire to be free from something unwanted, like "I want to "be rid of" this problem as soon as possible".

Is it correct to say "I am rid of"?

Yes, "I am rid of" is grammatically correct. It expresses a state of being free from something, such as "I am glad to "be rid of" that responsibility".