Spare vs. Spare...of

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hi,

I have always used the spare…of combination. However, I have seen some people using spare alone. For example, take a look at the following sentences.

Which use is more appropriate, spare or spare…of?

Also if I inserted ‘of’s at correct places in these sentences, would they change in meaning?

[color=blue]1. They should spare themselves the trouble.
2. They bowled me out of the way ages ago to spare themselves the embarrassment.
3. Disgraced Roman patricians were sometimes allowed to commit suicide to spare themselves a trial and penalties against their families

ktm525
Thanks,

MG.

2

Hi Mg,

I would use ‘spare’ on its own as with ‘save’ - spare yourself the effort/save yourself the effort.

Alan

3

Alan,
Thanks.

4

I wouldn’t use the “bowled” one with “spare” - it sounds like you’re trying to make a pun about the sport of bowling that has strikes and spares.