The phrases “absolved of<\/em> guilt” or “absolved of<\/em> any wrongdoing”, though I’m sure I’ve heard them, are incorrect, according to Frederick Crews, author of The Random House Handbook.<\/span> \u00a0He doesn’t question the absolution of the persons involved; rather, he objects to the preposition of<\/em> in the two phases.<\/p>\n Crews argues that “absolved from<\/em> guilt” is the correct phrasing. \u00a0Simultaneously admitting the frequency “absolved of”<\/em> is used, he nonetheless claims it’s a mistake. \u00a0“Absolved from<\/em>” is the correct wording, he insists.<\/p>\n Back in my Dec 4<\/a> post, I observed that, while everyday English is typically informal, some contexts still insist on formal usage. Knowing the right preposition for a verb doesn’t necessarily come naturally; even the knowledge of where to find such information can be elusive.<\/p>\n Those with access to a library have an advantage; some people, living in small communities, might rely on old textbooks. The internet can be very good as well, as long as you happen on the right places:)<\/p>\n Source:<\/p>\n Crews, Frederick. The Random House Handbook.<\/span> New York: Random House Inc. 1974.<\/p>\n