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 utterly 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

It's bereft of it.

The Guardian - Music

Generally anywhere bereft of human presence.

The New York Times

But that, too, is bereft of booty.

The New York Times

Both are bereft of opposition voices.

The Economist

O'Neill looked and sounded bereft of ideas.

The New York Times - Sports

Ancient ruins are usually bereft of humanity.

Independent

FTSE100 companies are particularly bereft of women.

Independent

Otherwise, the kitchen was bereft of conversation.

The New York Times - Magazine

Bereft of jewels and title.

The New York Times - Magazine

Plays are bereft of relevance.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bereft of" to add a touch of formality and emphasis when describing a significant lack or loss. It's particularly effective in formal writing and when conveying a sense of deprivation.

Common error

Avoid using "bereft of" in overly casual contexts. Its formal tone can sound out of place in informal conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "without" or "lacking" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bereft of" functions as a prepositional phrase typically used as a postpositive adjective, modifying a noun by indicating a lack or absence of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and highlights its prevalence in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bereft of" is a prepositional phrase used to express a state of lacking something, often with a connotation of loss or deprivation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently found in news and media sources. When writing, consider using "bereft of" to add emphasis and formality when describing a significant lack. However, be mindful of its tone and avoid using it in overly casual settings. Alternatives such as "lacking in" or "without" can be suitable substitutes depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

devoid of

Emphasizes a complete absence or emptiness.

lacking in

Focuses on the absence of something as a characteristic.

absent of

Highlights the state of being not present.

deprived of

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

without

A simpler, more direct way to indicate absence.

empty of

Describes a state of being completely without contents.

missing

Suggests that something is not where it should be or is needed.

wanting in

Indicates a deficiency or a need for something.

denuded of

Implies a stripping away or removal of something important.

innocent of

Describes someone or something that doesn't have the characteristic, but refers to fault/guilt specifically.

FAQs

How to use "bereft of" in a sentence?

"Bereft of" is typically used to describe a state of lacking something important or necessary. For example, "The team was "bereft of" its star player due to injury" shows that the team lacked a crucial member.

What can I say instead of "bereft of"?

Alternatives to "bereft of" include "lacking in", "devoid of", or simply "without". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of formality desired.

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

No, the correct preposition to use with "bereft" is "of". Saying "bereft from" is grammatically incorrect. Always use ""bereft of"" to indicate a lack or loss.

What's 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 or grief, whereas "devoid of" simply means completely lacking something.