Cool MateExempt vs Free
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Exempt
FormalTop 5,000 (fairly common)B1adjective
Free
Top 1,000 (very common)A1adjective
Most formal: ExemptMost common: Free
| Exempt | Free | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ɪɡˈzɛmpt//🇺🇸 //ɪɡˈzɛmpt// | 🇬🇧 /["/friː/","/ˈfriːə(r)/","/ˈfriːɪst/"]/🇺🇸 /["/friː/","/ˈfriːər/","/ˈfriːɪst/"]/ |
| Meaning | Not having to do something required. | Not costing money or not being controlled by someone. |
| Example | Students who achieve a high score are exempt from taking the final exam. | The concert tickets are free for everyone. |
| Register | Formal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 5,000 (fairly common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | A1 |
| Part of speech | adjective | adjective |
| Collocations | exempt from taxes, exempt status, exempt employees, exempt organizations | be, keep something, completely, entirely, totally, be, seem, become, completely, be, come, absolutely, completely, entirely, for free, free of charge, for, be, feel, seem, completely, entirely, quite, from, be, feel, seem, completely, entirely, quite, from, be, roam, run, completely, entirely, totally, be, roam, run, completely, entirely, totally, be, become, remain, completely, entirely, totally, be, roam, run, completely, entirely, totally |
| Antonyms | liable, obligated, subject | expensive, costly |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'accept' or 'except', Using 'exempt' without a clear subject, Assuming it only applies to tax situations | Confused with 'free of' which implies absence instead of no cost., Using with continuous tenses incorrectly, e.g., 'I am freeing my weekend.' |
| Usage notes | Use 'exempt' in formal contexts, such as legal or educational discussions. Avoid casual conversations. | Use 'free' in both formal and informal contexts. Avoid using it in a context where it implies lack of value or worth. |
Frequently asked questions: Exempt vs Free
What's the difference between Exempt and Free?
Exempt: Not having to do something required. Free: Not costing money or not being controlled by someone.
Which is more formal: Exempt and Free?
Exempt is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Exempt and Free?
Free is the most common in everyday English.
Are Exempt and Free the same CEFR level?
Exempt: B1, Free: A1 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Exempt and Free interchangeably?
Not always. Exempt and Free 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.