Eliminate vs Get shot of them

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Eliminate

Top 2,000 (common)B2verb

Get shot of them

InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: EliminateMost common: Eliminate
 EliminateGet shot of them
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //ɪˈlɪmɪneɪt//🇺🇸 //ɪˈlɪməˌneɪt//🇬🇧 //ɡɛt ʃɒt əv ðɛm//🇺🇸 //ɡɛt ʃɑt əv ðɛm//
MeaningTo completely get rid of something.To remove someone or something unwanted.
ExampleWe need to eliminate unnecessary expenses to save money.I really need to get shot of those old clothes lying around.
RegisterNeutralInformal
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Beyond 10,000 (less common)
CEFR levelB2-
Part of speechverb
Collocationseliminate risks, eliminate competition, eliminate errors, eliminate wasteget shot of someone, get shot of something, quickly get shot of, eager to get shot of, finally get shot of
Antonymsretain, keep, maintain-
Common mistakesConfusing with 'limit' - eliminating means to remove completely., Using 'eliminate' intransitively without an object., Overusing in casual speech instead of simpler terms like 'remove'.Confused with 'get rid of' - understand they mean the same but 'get shot of' is more informal., Using in a formal email - better suited for spoken or casual writing., Not using 'them' correctly, failing to specify what is being removed.
Usage notesUse 'eliminate' in formal and neutral contexts, like in writing or presentations. Avoid in very casual conversations.Used in casual conversation when talking about wanting to be rid of people or things. Avoid in formal contexts.

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Get shot of them

Frequently asked questions: Eliminate vs Get shot of them

What's the difference between Eliminate and Get shot of them?

Eliminate: To completely get rid of something. Get shot of them: To remove someone or something unwanted.

Which is more formal: Eliminate and Get shot of them?

Eliminate is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Eliminate and Get shot of them?

Eliminate is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Eliminate: We need to eliminate unnecessary expenses to save money. Get shot of them: I really need to get shot of those old clothes lying around.

Can I use Eliminate and Get shot of them interchangeably?

Not always. Eliminate and Get shot of them are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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