relieve someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relieve someone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of freeing someone from a burden, duty, or discomfort. Example: "I will relieve you of your duties for the day so you can rest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

They learn how to relieve someone of their watch.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But now he hopes that exposing his pain can help relieve someone else's.

The New York Times

The Anglo-American law of murder recognizes no formal grounds of defense or mitigation in the fact that the accused killed to relieve someone of suffering from an apparently incurable disease.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mendoza is viewed as an extremely valuable part of the Yankees by his teammates, someone who can start or relieve, someone who gained the two most crucial outs against Boston in the American League Championship Series last October.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Great!" Stanton said, relieved: someone who got him and could plus him.

The New Yorker

"The first lady let out a sharp 'hmmmpfh,' as if she were relieved someone had finally asked, then let her husband suffer through the answer," Kantor recalls.

The New Yorker

Remind yourself that you might also be relieving someone else of their awkward feeling – win win!

Huffington Post

Don't slack off now because you're relieved someone is sharing the burden with you.

Huffington Post

How will it feel to go through the rest of my life knowing someone has taken this role on screen and that someone isn't me?' I'm very relieved that someone is me!" Prior to Eastwood coming on board, Jersey Boys had a convoluted journey to the screen.

Independent

I was relieved that someone else had reported her plight to the authorities.

The New York Times

She said she was horrified, and then relieved when someone outbid her.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "relieve someone", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the type of burden or discomfort being alleviated, such as emotional stress, physical pain, or assigned responsibilities.

Common error

Avoid using "relieve someone" when a more specific verb would be more appropriate. For example, use "cure someone" for illnesses, or "absolve someone" for guilt to maintain clarity and precision in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relieve someone" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It typically involves an action performed by one party to ease the burden, pain, or responsibility of another. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "relieve someone" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of alleviating another person's burden or suffering. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage. While relatively rare, its meaning is clear, and its application varies depending on context, ranging from easing responsibilities to alleviating pain. Ludwig examples show it appearing most frequently in News & Media. Consider alternatives like "ease someone's burden" or "alleviate someone's pain" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ease someone's burden

Focuses on lessening the weight or difficulty someone is experiencing.

alleviate someone's pain

Specifically targets reducing physical or emotional suffering.

take the load off someone

Suggests removing a responsibility or task from someone.

lighten someone's load

Similar to taking the load off, but emphasizes making things easier.

free someone from duty

Emphasizes releasing someone from an obligation or task.

spare someone the trouble

Highlights preventing someone from experiencing inconvenience.

release someone from obligation

A formal way to say someone is no longer bound by a requirement.

excuse someone from responsibility

Formally frees someone from a specific duty.

comfort someone

Addresses providing emotional support and reducing distress.

assist someone

Offers general help to alleviate difficulties or burdens.

FAQs

How can I use "relieve someone" in a sentence?

You can use "relieve someone" to indicate easing a burden or responsibility, as in, "I will "relieve someone" of their duties" or alleviating pain, as in, "This medicine can "relieve someone"'s headache".

What is a synonym for "relieve someone"?

Alternatives to "relieve someone" include "ease someone's burden", "alleviate someone's pain", or "take the load off someone", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "relieve someone from" something?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "relieve someone from" something, as in ""relieve someone" from duty" or ""relieve someone" from their shift". The preposition "from" clarifies what the person is being freed or excused from.

What's the difference between "relieve someone" and "relieve oneself"?

"Relieve someone" means to alleviate a burden or suffering from another person. "Relieve oneself" is a euphemism for urinating or defecating. The reflexive pronoun "oneself" changes the meaning entirely.