to free

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to free" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing the action of liberating someone or something from confinement or oppression. Example: "The organization aims to free those who are unjustly imprisoned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One Mile to Free Maps.

The New Yorker

Murphy was born to free black parents.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hefty ransoms were paid to free them.

The Economist

What's your attitude to free schools?

The Guardian

Another loss to free speech in #Egypt.

The New York Times

Moses tells Rameses to free the slaves.

The Guardian - Film

Can we compare formal verse to free?

The New Yorker

It really seems to free people up.

The New York Times

They opened their markets to free trade.

The New Yorker

Sounded like a reference to free soap.

The New York Times

Movies as a complement to free shipping?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to free", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being freed and from what. Clarity prevents ambiguity and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "to free" when the context implies merely making something available, not truly liberating it from constraint. For example, providing access to information is not the same as using technology "to free" you.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to free" primarily functions as an infinitive indicating purpose or intention. It's commonly used to express the goal or reason behind an action, aiming to liberate or release someone or something from a constraint. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

29%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to free" is a versatile infinitive commonly used to express purpose or intention, particularly the act of liberating or releasing. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts, further supported by its frequent appearance in news, wiki and academic sources. When using "to free", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being freed and from what. While alternatives such as "to liberate" or "to release" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Understanding its grammatical function and communicative purpose allows for its effective and precise use in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in order to liberate

Replaces the simple infinitive with a more formal phrase emphasizing purpose.

with the aim of releasing

Emphasizes intention using "with the aim of".

so as to set free

Uses "so as to" for expressing purpose, and "set free" as a synonym for liberate.

for the purpose of liberating

A more formal construction indicating intent.

for liberating

Shortened, less formal version expressing the same purpose.

in the interest of releasing

Highlights the benefit or advantage of the action.

as a means of liberating

Focuses on the action as a method or strategy.

towards liberation

More concise phrase emphasizing the direction or goal.

with a view to releasing

Expresses the intention with a slightly more complex structure.

with the objective of setting free

Highlights the specific target or result of the action.

FAQs

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

You can use "to free" to express the action of liberating someone or something. For example, "The goal is "to free" the unjustly imprisoned".

What are some alternatives to "to free"?

Alternatives include "to liberate", "to release", or "to set free", depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "to free"?

While generally correct, ensure the context genuinely involves liberation, not just providing access or availability. Using "to offer" or "to provide" may be more accurate in certain situations.

What is the difference between "to free" and "to liberate"?

"To free" is a more general term, while "to liberate" often implies freeing someone from oppression or captivity. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.