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Mr. Tom Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

Divest oneself of one's jacket

Hi

Today I bumped into this phrase in a newspaper article. I doubt anyone uses it in everyday (or real) English. May I request your take on it?

The president walked in and divested himself of his wet jacket.

Thanks,

Tom
  

Top answer

I think it's OK. However, it may sound deliberately elaborate, and may give some impression that the speaker is being humorous or playful with language. This phrasing wouldn't be used routinely in everyday conversation.

— GPY

  • I think it's OK.
  • However, it may sound deliberately elaborate, and may give some impression that the speaker is being humorous or playful with language.
  • This phrasing wouldn't be used routinely in everyday conversation.
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1 Answers
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I think it's OK. However, it may sound deliberately elaborate, and may give some impression that the speaker
is being humorous or playful with language. This phrasing wouldn't be used routinely in everyday conversation.
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