Understanding ‘Get rid of’: Definition and Usage
The phrasal verb ‘get rid of’ is an essential expression for IELTS candidates to master. It means to remove, eliminate, or dispose of something unwanted or unnecessary. This versatile phrase can be applied to various contexts, making it a valuable addition to your English vocabulary.
Key meanings:
- To throw away or discard something
- To remove or eliminate a problem or difficulty
- To sell or give away something no longer needed
Understanding the nuances of ‘get rid of’ can significantly enhance your language proficiency and help you express ideas more precisely in the IELTS test.
How to Use ‘Get rid of’ in Context
To effectively incorporate ‘get rid of’ in your IELTS responses, consider these example sentences:
- “I need to get rid of some old clothes to make space in my wardrobe.”
- “The government is trying to get rid of corruption in public offices.”
- “We got rid of our old car and bought a more fuel-efficient model.”
These examples demonstrate how ‘get rid of’ can be used in both formal and informal situations, making it suitable for various parts of the IELTS test.
Person getting rid of old clothes
Grammar Analysis of ‘Get rid of’
‘Get rid of’ is an inseparable phrasal verb, meaning you cannot place an object between ‘get’ and ‘rid’. The correct structure is:
Subject + get rid of + object
For example:
- Correct: “I want to get rid of these old magazines.”
- Incorrect: “I want to get these old magazines rid of.”
Understanding this grammatical rule is crucial for using the phrase correctly in both IELTS Speaking and Writing tasks.
Applying ‘Get rid of’ in IELTS
IELTS Speaking
In the Speaking test, ‘get rid of’ can be effectively used to answer questions about changes, improvements, or problem-solving. For example:
Question: “What changes would you like to see in your hometown?”
Sample answer: “I believe we need to get rid of the traffic congestion in the city center. This could be achieved by improving public transportation and creating more pedestrian-friendly zones.”
IELTS Writing
For Writing tasks, ‘get rid of’ can add precision to your essays, especially when discussing solutions to problems. However, be mindful of the formality level required. In more formal essays, you might prefer alternatives like ‘eliminate’ or ‘eradicate’.
Example:
“To address the issue of plastic pollution, it is crucial for communities to get rid of single-use plastics and adopt more sustainable alternatives.”
Heavy traffic congestion in city center
Related Phrasal Verbs
To expand your vocabulary further, here are some related phrasal verbs:
- Throw away /θrəʊ əˈweɪ/: To discard or dispose of something
Example: “We need to throw away these expired products.” - Do away with /duː əˈweɪ wɪð/: To eliminate or abolish
Example: “The company decided to do away with the old filing system.” - Clear out /klɪər aʊt/: To remove unwanted items from a place
Example: “It’s time to clear out the garage and make some space.” - Wipe out /waɪp aʊt/: To destroy or eliminate completely
Example: “The new policy aims to wipe out corruption in the organization.” - Phase out /feɪz aʊt/: To gradually stop using or providing something
Example: “The government plans to phase out fossil fuels over the next decade.”
Practice Exercises
Fill in the blanks
- We need to _______ these old files to create more office space.
- The city council is working to _______ homelessness by providing more affordable housing.
- It’s time to _______ your negative thoughts and focus on the positives.
- They want to _______ the old computer system and implement a new one.
- We should _______ plastic bags and use reusable ones instead.
- The company decided to _______ unnecessary expenses to improve profitability.
- It’s important to _______ bad habits if you want to lead a healthier lifestyle.
- The government is trying to _______ corruption in public offices.
- We need to _______ these outdated regulations and introduce more modern ones.
- They’re planning to _______ the old furniture and redecorate the entire office.
Rewrite the sentences
- We disposed of all the old equipment.
We _______ all the old equipment. - The school eliminated bullying through new policies.
The school _______ bullying through new policies. - They’re gradually stopping the use of plastic packaging.
They’re _______ plastic packaging. - We need to remove all the clutter from this room.
We need to _______ all the clutter from this room. - The company is working to eliminate inefficient processes.
The company is working to _______ inefficient processes. - They discarded all their old clothes before moving.
They _______ all their old clothes before moving. - We should eliminate prejudice from our society.
We should _______ prejudice from our society. - The government is aiming to eradicate poverty.
The government is aiming to _______ poverty. - They’re removing all the old software from the computers.
They’re _______ all the old software from the computers. - We need to eliminate these pest problems in our garden.
We need to _______ these pest problems in our garden.
Answers and Explanations
Fill in the blanks:
1-10. get rid of
Rewrite the sentences:
- We got rid of all the old equipment.
- The school got rid of bullying through new policies.
- They’re phasing out plastic packaging.
- We need to get rid of all the clutter from this room.
- The company is working to get rid of inefficient processes.
- They got rid of all their old clothes before moving.
- We should get rid of prejudice from our society.
- The government is aiming to get rid of poverty.
- They’re getting rid of all the old software from the computers.
- We need to get rid of these pest problems in our garden.
Explanation: In each sentence, ‘get rid of’ is used to express the idea of removing, eliminating, or disposing of something unwanted or unnecessary. This phrasal verb is versatile and can be applied to various contexts, from physical objects to abstract concepts.
Tips for Remembering ‘Get rid of’
To help memorize and effectively use ‘get rid of’, consider these tips:
- Visualize the action: Picture yourself throwing away or removing something unwanted.
- Create a mnemonic: “GET RID Of Trash” – the capitalized letters spell out the phrasal verb.
- Practice regularly: Use the phrase in your daily conversations to reinforce your memory.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Incorrect word order: Remember, ‘get rid of’ is inseparable. Never place the object between ‘get’ and ‘rid’.
Incorrect: “I want to get the old furniture rid of.”
Correct: “I want to get rid of the old furniture.” - Forgetting ‘of’: Always include ‘of’ after ‘get rid’.
Incorrect: “We need to get rid these problems.”
Correct: “We need to get rid of these problems.” - Using in overly formal contexts: While ‘get rid of’ is versatile, in very formal writing, consider using more formal alternatives like ‘eliminate’ or ‘eradicate’.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can use ‘get rid of’ more effectively in your IELTS test and improve your overall language proficiency.
Conclusion
Mastering phrasal verbs like ‘get rid of’ can significantly enhance your performance in the IELTS test. This versatile expression allows you to discuss removal, elimination, and problem-solving in various contexts, making it valuable for both Speaking and Writing tasks. Remember to practice using ‘get rid of’ in different situations and review the related phrasal verbs to expand your vocabulary further. With consistent practice and attention to common mistakes, you’ll be well-equipped to use this phrasal verb confidently in your IELTS exam and beyond.
For more tips on improving your IELTS performance, check out our guide on how hybrid learning models incorporate cultural diversity and the role of digital platforms in bridging the education gap. These resources can provide valuable insights to enhance your language skills and cultural awareness, both crucial for success in the IELTS test.
