free of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "free of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is free from any contamination, impurity, or other undesirable element. For example, you could say "The water is free of any contaminants, so it's safe to drink."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Provided Free of Charge.

The New Yorker

Free of cancer.

The New York Times

Ed is free of that".

Independent

Lisette pulled free of Molina.

The New Yorker

She agreed, free of charge.

The New York Times

"This" was free of clutter.

The New Yorker

It was free of charge.

The New York Times

I am free of both".

The New York Times

They are also mercifully free of infection.

The Economist

Bible now free of "Homosexuality" virus.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

ft. side building free-of-charge.

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "free of" to clearly state the absence of undesirable elements, ensuring clarity and avoiding ambiguity in your writing. For example, instead of saying 'the product is pure', specify 'the product is "free of" additives'.

Common error

Avoid using "free of" when you mean 'mostly free of'. The phrase implies a complete absence, so using it for near-absence can be misleading. Instead of 'the area is "free of" mosquitoes', when there are a few, say 'the area has very few mosquitoes'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "free of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating the absence of something. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

27%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

11%

Travel

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "free of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate the absence of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and it appears frequently in diverse contexts, including news, formal documents, and general writing. While "free of" is common, alternatives like "without" or "lacking" can sometimes provide a more concise or nuanced expression. When using "free of", ensure you accurately represent a complete absence to avoid misleading your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without

Indicates the absence of something, focusing on the lack of inclusion.

lacking

Highlights a deficiency or shortage of something.

devoid of

Emphasizes a complete absence, often with a negative connotation.

absent of

Similar to "devoid of", but may carry a more neutral tone.

clear of

Implies being unblocked or unobstructed, physically or metaphorically.

excluding

Specifically omits something from a group or consideration.

exempt from

Indicates being excused or not subject to a particular requirement or obligation.

exclusive of

Similar to "excluding", indicating a deliberate omission.

immune to

Signifies resistance or invulnerability to something, often a disease or negative influence.

discharged from

Implies release or removal from a duty, obligation or place.

FAQs

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

You can use "free of" to describe something lacking a particular element or quality. For instance, "The report is "free of errors"" or "The park is "free of litter"".

What is a simple way to say "free of"?

A simpler way to express "free of" is by using the word "without". For example, instead of saying "The tea is "free of" sugar", you could say, "The tea is "without sugar"".

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

While "free of" is more common, "free from" is also correct and often used interchangeably. The choice often depends on context and personal preference. For example, "He is "free from doubt"" is a common construction.

Which is correct: "free of charge" or "free of cost"?

"Free of charge" is the more common and idiomatic expression. While "free of cost" is understandable, it's less frequently used. It's best to stick with "free of charge" for clarity and familiarity.