can get rid of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can get rid of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express the action of eliminating or removing something unwanted or unnecessary. Example: "With regular exercise and a healthy diet, you can get rid of excess weight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We can get rid of him.

The New Yorker

You can get rid of the pneumonia.

The New York Times - Food

He can get rid of this wall".

The New Yorker

It's nothing you can get rid of".

The New Yorker

You can get rid of the trauma.

The Guardian

They can get rid of a body," he said.

The New York Times

"Then maybe we can get rid of the blackout rule".

The New York Times - Sports

"You can get rid of some of these closets.

The New York Times

I think Ukraine can get rid of this sad legacy.

The Guardian

"We can get rid of antibiotic resistance and for some situations we can get rid of cloning or nuclear-transfer technology as well.

Independent

With enough money, they can get rid of you in weeks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can get rid of", ensure the context is clear about what is being eliminated and why. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "can get rid of" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overuse in formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "eliminate" or "remove" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can get rid of" functions as a phrasal verb expressing the ability or possibility to eliminate or remove something. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's a common expression used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

30%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can get rid of" is a versatile phrasal verb used to express the ability or possibility of eliminating or removing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and very common, finding frequent use in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts. While generally acceptable, writers should consider more formal alternatives like "eliminate" or "remove" in academic or professional settings to maintain an appropriate tone. Remember to be clear about what is being eliminated to avoid ambiguity. By understanding its usage patterns and potential alternatives, you can effectively incorporate "can get rid of" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can eliminate

Focuses on complete removal, often in a more formal context.

can remove

Emphasizes taking something away, often physically.

can do away with

Suggests removing something that is no longer needed or wanted.

can discard

Highlights the act of throwing something away as useless or unwanted.

can dispose of

A more formal alternative for getting rid of something, often waste.

can eradicate

Implies complete destruction or elimination, often used for problems or diseases.

can abolish

Specifically refers to formally ending a system, practice, or institution.

can clear out

Focuses on removing items from a space to make it tidy.

can shed

Implies getting rid of something gradually or naturally, like skin or weight.

can obliterate

Suggests completely destroying something so that nothing remains.

FAQs

How can I use "can get rid of" in a sentence?

You can use "can get rid of" to express the ability to eliminate something unwanted. For example, "With regular exercise, you can get rid of excess weight."

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

You can use alternatives like "can eliminate", "can remove", or "can discard" depending on the context.

Is "can get rid of" too informal for academic writing?

In some cases, yes. While acceptable, it might be better to use more formal alternatives like "can eliminate" or "can eradicate" in academic papers.

What's the difference between "can get rid of" and "can dispose of"?

"Can get rid of" is more general and can apply to various situations. "Can dispose of" is often used specifically when dealing with waste or unwanted items in a more formal manner.