Quick Definition
Get Rid Of — To remove, eliminate, or dispose of something or someone unwanted; to free yourself from something unpleasant.
Meanings of Get Rid Of
| Meaning | Example Sentence | Notes / Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Dispose of an object | I need to get rid of these old magazines. | Remove physical items you no longer want. |
| Eliminate a problem | She finally got rid of her cold. | Remove a problem, illness, or unpleasant situation. |
| Remove a person (informal) | The manager decided to get rid of the underperforming staff. | Dismiss or send away an unwanted person. |
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Meaning in Context |
|---|---|
| I finally got rid of all the junk in the attic. | Disposed of unwanted physical items. |
| How do you get rid of a headache quickly? | Eliminate a physical ailment. |
| The company got rid of several outdated systems. | Eliminated old technology or processes. |
| She couldn't get rid of the feeling that something was wrong. | Remove an emotional or mental feeling. |
| He tried to get rid of the stain on his shirt. | Remove a physical mark or blemish. |
| It's time to get rid of habits that don't serve you. | Eliminate unhelpful behaviours. |
| We need to get rid of this old sofa — it takes up too much space. | Dispose of a large unwanted object. |
Grammar Notes
Separability & Transitivity
Type: Three-word phrasal verb (separable in principle) | Transitivity: Transitive
Object placement: The object always follows of. With pronouns, "it" or "them" still follow "of": get rid of it, get rid of them.
Correct: get rid of the clutter / get rid of it
Incorrect: get it rid of
Note: This is a three-word phrasal verb — treat the whole phrase get rid of as a unit.
How to Use Get Rid Of
Informal to neutral. Very common in spoken and informal written English. For formal contexts, single-word alternatives are preferred.
| Register | Example / Notes |
|---|---|
| Informal / Spoken | I need to get rid of all this stuff before I move. |
| Neutral / Written | The process gets rid of impurities in the water. |
| Formal alternative | Eliminate / Remove / Dispose of / Discard |
| Business / HR (careful) | They got rid of several positions — use 'made redundant' or 'eliminated' in formal documents. |
Similar Phrasal Verbs
Practise Get Rid Of
Practice English Phrasal Verbs
Use these exercises to master phrasal verbs in context:
Frequently Asked Questions about Get Rid Of
What does "get rid of" mean?
"Get rid of" means to remove, eliminate, or dispose of something unwanted. It can apply to physical objects (get rid of old clothes), problems (get rid of a headache), or people (get rid of a pest). It is a transitive phrasal verb at CEFR B1.
Is "get rid of" separable or inseparable?
"Get rid of" is a three-word phrasal verb. The object always follows "of": get rid of it, get rid of them. Do not say get it rid of. Treat the whole phrase as a unit.
How do I use "get rid of" in a sentence?
I need to get rid of these old magazines. She finally got rid of her cold. The object always comes after "of".
What is the register of "get rid of"?
"Get rid of" is informal to neutral. It is very common in spoken English and informal writing. In formal contexts, prefer "eliminate", "remove", or "dispose of".
What CEFR level is "get rid of"?
"Get rid of" is a B1 — Intermediate phrasal verb. It is one of the most frequently used phrasal verbs in everyday English and learners at this level encounter it constantly.
What is the difference between "get rid of" and "throw away"?
"Throw away" specifically means to discard something in the bin. "Get rid of" is broader — you can get rid of something by selling it, donating it, deleting it, or discarding it. You can also get rid of a habit or a problem, but not throw them away.
Can "get rid of" be used formally?
"Get rid of" is mainly informal. In formal writing or professional documents, use "eliminate", "remove", "dispose of", or "discard" instead. However, in semi-formal speech it is perfectly acceptable.
Does "get rid of" take an object?
Yes, "get rid of" is always transitive — it requires an object after "of": get rid of the problem, get rid of it. You cannot use it without an object.
How can I practise "get rid of"?
Use LexFizz's Flip Tiles and Find the Match exercises to practise "get rid of" in real contexts. Try creating sentences about things you want to eliminate in your life to make the meaning personal and memorable.
Is "get rid of" used differently in British and American English?
"Get rid of" is used identically in British and American English. Both dialects use it for objects, problems, and people equally. There are no significant spelling or usage differences between the two varieties.