What Does “Deprive sb of sth” Mean?
“Deprive sb of sth” means to take something important away from someone, often causing harm or loss.
Introduction
The phrasal verb “deprive sb of sth” is commonly used in English to describe situations where a person is denied something essential or valuable. Understanding the “deprive sb of sth meaning” helps learners express loss or removal clearly. It often relates to rights, opportunities, or physical needs like sleep or food. This phrase is useful in both everyday conversations and formal writing, especially when discussing social issues, personal experiences, or emotional states.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: Deprive somebody of something
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: To take something important away from someone
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Deprive sb of sth” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means you cannot separate the verb and the particle.
- Correct: She deprived him of his rights.
- Incorrect: She deprived of him his rights.
The typical structure is: deprive + somebody (sb) + of + something (sth).
How to Use Deprive sb of sth?
Use “deprive sb of sth” when you want to describe that someone has lost or been denied something important. The phrase often appears in contexts related to rights, privileges, or basic needs. It can be used in past, present, and future tenses.
Example: The new law deprives citizens of their freedom to protest.
Examples
Here are some examples to help you see how to use “deprive sb of sth in a sentence”:
- The illness deprived her of the ability to walk.
- They were deprived of food and water during the disaster.
- The government’s decision deprived many people of their voting rights.
- Don’t deprive yourself of sleep before the exam.
- His injury deprived him of the chance to play in the final match.
Common Mistakes
Sometimes learners confuse the order or the preposition in this phrase. Here are some common errors:
- Incorrect: She deprived of him his phone.
Correct: She deprived him of his phone. - Incorrect: They deprived the right to vote.
Correct: They deprived people of the right to vote.
Remember, “deprive” always needs a person or group as the object, followed by “of” and the thing taken away.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar verbs include take away and deny. However, “deprive sb of sth” often implies a serious or unfair loss.
- Take away: More general, can mean physically removing something.
Example: The teacher took away my phone. - Deny: Focuses on refusing permission or access.
Example: They denied him entry to the club. - Deprive: Emphasizes loss or removal, often affecting rights or essentials.
Example: The law deprived her of her inheritance.
Common Collocations
Here are common objects often used with “deprive sb of sth”:
- Rights: Legal or human rights someone should have.
- Sleep: Essential rest for health.
- Freedom: The power to act or speak freely.
- Opportunity: A chance to do something.
- Food/Water: Basic necessities for survival.
Real-life Dialogue
Listen to this short conversation using “deprive sb of sth”:
Anna: Did you hear about the new policy?
Mark: Yes, it deprives workers of their lunch breaks.
Anna: That’s unfair. Everyone needs time to rest.
Practice
Complete the sentences by choosing the correct phrase:
- They were __________ their right to vote.
- a) deprived of
- b) deprived from
- c) deprived by
- Don’t __________ yourself of a good night’s sleep.
- a) deprive
- b) deprive of
- c) deprive from
FAQ
- Q: Can “deprive” be used without “of”?
A: No, “deprive” needs “of” to show what is taken away. - Q: Is “deprive sb of sth” formal or informal?
A: It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. - Q: Can “deprive” be used with animals?
A: Yes, you can say “deprive animals of food or water.” - Q: What is the opposite of “deprive sb of sth”?
A: To provide or give someone something. - Q: Is “deprive” separable?
A: No, it is inseparable. You cannot put the object between “deprive” and “of.”
