Cool MateDiscard vs Get rid of that crap
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Discard
Top 3,000 (common)C1verb
Get rid of that crap
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: DiscardMost common: Get rid of that crap
| Discard | Get rid of that crap | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //dɪsˈkɑːd//🇺🇸 //dɪsˈkɑrd// | 🇬🇧 //ɡɛt rɪd əv ðæt kræp//🇺🇸 //ɡɛt rɪd əv ðæt kræp// |
| Meaning | To throw something away or get rid of it. | To remove something unwanted or unneeded. |
| Example | Please discard any items that are damaged. | You really need to get rid of that crap in your garage. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | discard a plan, discard evidence, discard old habits | get rid of clutter, get rid of junk, get rid of old clothes, get rid of bad habits, get rid of negativity |
| Antonyms | keep, retain, preserve | - |
| Common mistakes | Confuse with 'dispose of' which has similar meaning but is more formal., Use 'discard' incorrectly with non-physical items, like feelings., Misuse the tense; should be 'discarded' in past forms. | Using 'get rid of' without a noun (e.g., 'get rid of fast')., Confusing 'get rid of' with 'throw away' (e.g., not knowing they can mean slightly different things)., Using 'crap' in formal situations. |
| Usage notes | Use 'discard' when talking about getting rid of things that are no longer wanted or needed. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. | Use in casual conversations when speaking about things or problems you find useless. Avoid in formal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Discard vs Get rid of that crap
What's the difference between Discard and Get rid of that crap?
Discard: To throw something away or get rid of it. Get rid of that crap: To remove something unwanted or unneeded.
Which is more formal: Discard and Get rid of that crap?
Discard is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Discard and Get rid of that crap?
Get rid of that crap is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Discard: Please discard any items that are damaged. Get rid of that crap: You really need to get rid of that crap in your garage.
Can I use Discard and Get rid of that crap interchangeably?
Not always. Discard and Get rid of that crap 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.