Phrasal verbs "rat out" vs "rat on"

Differences between rat out and rat on

Rat out and rat on are both phrasal verbs that involve informing on someone, but there is a slight difference in their usage. Rat out is used when someone informs on another person to an authority figure or someone in a position of power, while rat on is used when someone informs on another person to their peers or friends.

Meanings and Definitions: rat out vs rat on

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Rat out

• 1. Inform the authorities about someone.

  He RATTED me OUT to the police.

Rat on

• 1. Inform authorities about someone's wrongdoings.

  She RATTED ON her neighbours to the police because they were smuggling alcohol from France.

• 2. Fail to keep a promise.

  He always RATS ON his promises.

Usage Examples: rat out, rat on in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

rat out

Example

She wouldn't rat me out even if she knew the truth.

Example

He often rats out his friends when they're in trouble.

rat on

Example

She would never rat on her friends, no matter what.

Example

He often rats on his classmates when they break the rules.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Rat out

turn in

To inform on someone to an authority figure or someone in a position of power.

Example

He turned in his friend to the police after he found out about his involvement in the robbery.

sell out

To betray someone's trust or loyalty for personal gain or benefit.

Example

He sold out his colleagues by leaking confidential information to their competitors.

snitch on

To inform on someone to an authority figure or someone in a position of power, often for personal gain or benefit.

Example

She snitched on her co-worker to their boss after she found out about their unethical behavior.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Rat on

tell on

To inform on someone to their peers or friends.

Example

He told on his little brother for breaking their mom's vase.

squeal on

To inform on someone to their peers or friends, often for personal gain or benefit.

Example

She squealed on her classmate for cheating on the exam to get a better grade.

blow the whistle on

To inform on someone to the public or authorities about illegal or unethical activities.

Example

He blew the whistle on his company's fraudulent practices to the media and the government.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “rat”

• rat on
• rat through

Phrasal Verbs with “out”

• steal out
• figure out
• eat out
• pile out
• map out

Phrasal Verbs with “on”

• drone on
• focus on
• drag on
• try on
• sponge on

Differences in rat out vs rat on: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: rat out or rat on?

Both rat out and rat on are informal phrases that are used in casual conversations. However, rat out is more commonly used than rat on.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of rat out and rat on

As mentioned earlier, both rat out and rat on are informal phrases that are not suitable for formal settings like business or academic contexts. Using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of rat out and rat on

The tone of rat out and rat on can differ based on context. Rat out often carries a negative connotation and implies betrayal or disloyalty, while rat on can have a more neutral or even positive tone depending on the situation.

rat out & rat on: Synonyms and Antonyms

Rat out

Synonyms

• report
• squeal
• expose
• inform on
• betray

Antonyms

• protect
• conceal
• keep quiet
• maintain loyalty

Rat on

Synonyms

• report
• squeal
• backstab
• inform on
• betray

Antonyms

• protect
• keep quiet
• maintain loyalty
• honor promises