getting rid of

USAGE SUMMARY

"getting rid of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express discarding, disposing of, or removing something. Example sentence: He is getting rid of all the furniture in his house so that he can start fresh.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Getting rid of food.

The Washington Post

Getting rid of acne scars?

Columbia University

"Getting rid of it was long overdue".

The New Yorker

The problem is getting rid of it.

The New York Times - Magazine

Getting rid of non-dom status.

The Guardian

Getting rid of workers is costly too.

The Economist

There is no getting rid of him.

The New Yorker

But getting rid of the car?

Independent

Getting rid of dead wood.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

They're getting rid of me.

The Guardian

Work on getting/getting rid of these traits.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "getting rid of", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being removed and why. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "getting rid of" without a clear referent. For example, instead of saying "We are getting rid of it", specify what "it" is to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting rid of" functions as a prepositional verb phrase, where "getting" is a gerund acting as a verb and "rid of" acts as a prepositional complement. It is commonly used to indicate the action of discarding, removing, or eliminating something, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

22%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "getting rid of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe the act of discarding, eliminating, or removing something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. While generally considered informal, it is acceptable in many contexts, though more formal alternatives like "eliminating" or "disposing of" may be preferable in academic or professional settings. Its high frequency in news and media underscores its common usage. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is being removed and why. Avoid vague pronoun references to prevent confusion. Remember, context is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

removing

A general term for taking something away.

eliminating

Focuses on complete removal, often of something problematic.

disposing of

Implies a more formal or planned removal, often of waste or unwanted items.

discarding

Suggests throwing away something no longer useful or desired.

doing away with

Implies abolishing or ending something, often a rule or system.

clearing out

Suggests a thorough removal, often to tidy or organize a space.

eradicating

Implies completely destroying or eliminating something, often a disease or problem.

jettisoning

Suggests abandoning or discarding something, often for strategic reasons.

axing

A more informal term for cutting or eliminating something, often a budget or program.

trashing

Suggests throwing something away because it's broken or worthless.

FAQs

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

You can use "getting rid of" to describe the act of discarding, eliminating, or removing something. For example, "I'm getting rid of old clothes" or "The company is "eliminating" unnecessary expenses".

What are some alternatives to "getting rid of"?

Alternatives include "eliminating", "removing", "disposing of", or "discarding", depending on the specific context.

Is "getting rid of" formal or informal?

"Getting rid of" is generally considered informal but acceptable in most contexts. For more formal situations, consider using "disposing of" or "eliminating".

What's the difference between "getting rid of" and "removing"?

"Removing" is a more general term for taking something away. "Getting rid of" often implies that the item is unwanted or no longer needed. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.