Phrasal verb
get rid of
Meanings
to remove, throw away, sell, or give away something you do not want
to eliminate an unwanted problem, habit, or feeling so it stops affecting you
Definition
To get rid of something means to remove it or make it go away because you no longer want it.
To get rid of something is to remove it, throw it away, sell it, or give it away so it is no longer with you. It can also mean to stop having an unwanted problem, habit, or feeling. The focus is on eliminating something you don’t want or need anymore.
Examples
- I need to get rid of these old magazines before we move.
- You should get rid of the empty boxes in your hallway.
- He tried to get rid of his bad habit of checking his phone at dinner.
- She finally got rid of the stubborn coffee smell in her car.
- They want to get rid of the broken chair in their garage.
Common mistake
Learners often say "get rid from" instead of the correct form "get rid of."
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.