being bereft of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being bereft of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a state of lacking or being deprived of something, often in a more emotional or poetic context. Example: "After the loss of her beloved pet, she felt as if she was being bereft of joy and companionship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

(Ms. Desai's story collection benefited from being bereft of mangoes, he seems to imply in the review).

The New York Times

Australia remain in transition, yet to come to terms with being bereft of the great players who kept them dominant for so long.

Independent

In response, the target of the charge put out a television ad that accused the first candidate of being bereft of principles and a "sellout".

The New York Times

Joe Klein, who she was particularly hard on, retaliated in the New Republic, accusing Didion of being "bereft of qualifications" and basing her observations on dinner-party chat.

The Guardian - Opinion

Despite the German coach Erich Ribbeck's protestations that the England victory was an "undeserved defeat that hurts", commentators lambasted the German side for being "bereft of ideas" and incapable of puncturing England's defensive wall.

The Guardian - Sport

The Azzurri were doubted before the tournament, having suffered injuries to key players and seemingly being bereft of world class talent up front, but their defence has helped to see them through.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

But that, too, is bereft of booty.

The New York Times

Both are bereft of opposition voices.

The Economist

Otherwise, the kitchen was bereft of conversation.

The New York Times - Magazine

Saddam Hussein is bereft of allies.

The New York Times

New Zealand were bereft of ideas.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being bereft of" to add a touch of formality or emotional weight to your writing when describing a lack or absence. It's particularly effective in literary or descriptive contexts.

Common error

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

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being bereft of" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun by describing its state of lacking something. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts, highlighting its role in depicting deficiency or absence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being bereft of" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that conveys a sense of lacking or deprivation. Ludwig AI confirms its primary function as an adjectival phrase, often used in more formal contexts such as News & Media and Academia. While effective for adding emotional weight, remember to avoid overuse in casual settings, opting for simpler alternatives like "lacking" or "without". Consider related phrases like "lacking in" or "devoid of" to diversify your writing while conveying similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bereft of

Similar, but without "being". More concise.

devoid of

Emphasizes a complete absence or emptiness of something.

lacking in

Focuses on the deficiency of a specific quality or attribute.

deficient in

Highlights a lack or shortage of something essential or required.

without

A simple and direct way to indicate the absence of something.

wanting in

Indicates a lack or deficiency, often suggesting a need for something.

missing

A straightforward term for something that is absent or not present.

empty of

Suggests a void or lack of content.

bereaved of

Implies a loss, typically through death, resulting in deprivation.

stripped of

Suggests something has been forcibly taken away, leaving a lack.

FAQs

What does "being bereft of" mean?

The phrase "being bereft of" means lacking or deprived of something. It implies a sense of loss or absence.

What can I say instead of "being bereft of"?

You can use alternatives like "lacking in", "devoid of", or "without" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "bereft of" instead of "being bereft of"?

Yes, "bereft of" is a more concise and equally correct alternative to "being bereft of". The absence of "being" does not alter the meaning.

How do I use "being bereft of" in a sentence?

Use "being bereft of" to describe something that lacks a particular quality or possession, such as: "After the storm, the landscape was "being bereft of" trees and vegetation".