Let us be rid of it vs Remove

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

Let us be rid of it

Beyond 10,000 (less common)

Remove

Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
Most common: Remove
 Let us be rid of itRemove
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //lɛt ʌs biː rɪd ʌv ɪt//🇺🇸 //lɛt ʌs bi rɪd ʌv ɪt//🇬🇧 /["/rɪˈmuːv/","/rɪˈmuːvz/","/rɪˈmuːvd/","/rɪˈmuːvɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪˈmuːv/","/rɪˈmuːvz/","/rɪˈmuːvd/","/rɪˈmuːvɪŋ/"]/
MeaningTo get rid of something undesirable.To take something away or get rid of it.
ExampleLet us be rid of it before it causes more trouble.Please remove the stain from the carpet.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonBeyond 10,000 (less common)Top 1,000 (very common)
CEFR level-A2
Part of speechverb
Collocationslet us be free, let us be clear, let us be honest, let us move forward, let us take actionaltogether, completely, entirely, try to, be possible to, be difficult to, for, from, with, altogether, completely, entirely, try to, be possible to, be difficult to, for, from, with
Antonyms-add, include
Common mistakesTranslated directly from native language without understanding nuance., Confused with 'let's get rid of it' which is more casual., Used in inappropriate contexts, such as informal conversations.Confusing 'remove' with 'erase' — 'erase' is often used for writing or drawings., Using 'remove' without a clear object — remember to specify what is being removed., Incorrectly using 'removal' as a verb.
Usage notesUse in contexts where you are suggesting to eliminate something negative. Slightly formal, more often used in written or spoken debates.Use 'remove' in neutral contexts, such as formal writing or conversations. It is less common in informal speech where simpler words like 'take away' might be preferred.

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Let us be rid of it
Remove

Frequently asked questions: Let us be rid of it vs Remove

What's the difference between Let us be rid of it and Remove?

Let us be rid of it: To get rid of something undesirable. Remove: To take something away or get rid of it.

Which is more common: Let us be rid of it and Remove?

Remove is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Let us be rid of it: Let us be rid of it before it causes more trouble. Remove: Please remove the stain from the carpet.

Can I use Let us be rid of it and Remove interchangeably?

Not always. Let us be rid of it and Remove 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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