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Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Grammar
Usage of the phrasal verb get rid of
Hi there,
I would be really interested in an explanation of the phrasal verb get rid of.
I understand the meaning as dispose of, and usually indicates to something negative. e.g: get rid of the old shoes, get rid of black circles around the eyes...
Is it correct to use it in a sentence, e.g.: ''Can't get rid of this song''?
-- by which would be meant that there is a song I really like and have liked for a long time...
I am quite confused with it so I look forward to your explanation.
Many thanks,
Tomas
I would be really interested in an explanation of the phrasal verb get rid of.
I understand the meaning as dispose of, and usually indicates to something negative. e.g: get rid of the old shoes, get rid of black circles around the eyes...
Is it correct to use it in a sentence, e.g.: ''Can't get rid of this song''?
-- by which would be meant that there is a song I really like and have liked for a long time...
I am quite confused with it so I look forward to your explanation.
Many thanks,
Tomas
Top answer
" You can use it in the context of not getting rid of something when you use the negative. " Johnny is such a packrat; he can never seem to get rid of anything.
- " You can use it in the context of not getting rid of something when you use the negative.
- " Johnny is such a packrat; he can never seem to get rid of anything.
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4 Answers
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You might say, "I just can't get rid of this CD even though my girlfriend hates it, because I have always liked this song."
You can use it in the context of not getting rid of something when you use the negative.
Another example, "I just can't bring myself to get rid of this old sweater because it has so many good memories attached to it."
Johnny is such a packrat; he c
You can use it in the context of not getting rid of something when you use the negative.
Another example, "I just can't bring myself to get rid of this old sweater because it has so many good memories attached to it."
Johnny is such a packrat; he c
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AnonymousIs it correct to use it in a sentence, e.g.: ''Can't get rid of this song''?I can't get rid of this song (from my CD collection) (because I like it so much).
Just "Can't get rid of this song" doesn't work well as a sentence.
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If the song continues to pass through your mind, you say,
I can't
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Yes, "to rid" is negative.
Re the song, you wish you could get it out of your head, but you can't.
"Rid" is both a verb and an adjective.
I'm trying to rid myself of this headache.
I've decided it's time to be rid of her.
(When you say "get rid of her," your intentions sound homicidal.)
Re the song, you wish you could get it out of your head, but you can't.
"Rid" is both a verb and an adjective.
I'm trying to rid myself of this headache.
I've decided it's time to be rid of her.
(When you say "get rid of her," your intentions sound homicidal.)
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Hmmm...I'm not aware that rid can be used as an adjective.
While "get rid of her" can sound faintly homicidal, it could also mean to dismiss someone from a job or project, or to try to get them to leave one's home, or a party, etc.
e.g.
"Oh, no, is that Aunt Sally at the door? Please try to get rid of her or we'll never get to the play on time."
Jane is hopele
While "get rid of her" can sound faintly homicidal, it could also mean to dismiss someone from a job or project, or to try to get them to leave one's home, or a party, etc.
e.g.
"Oh, no, is that Aunt Sally at the door? Please try to get rid of her or we'll never get to the play on time."
Jane is hopele
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