What are the definitions of “rat on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Inform authorities about someone's wrongdoings.
She RATTED ON her neighbours to the police because they were smuggling alcohol from France.
- 2Fail to keep a promise.
He always RATS ON his promises.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “rat on”?
The phrasal verb rat on is more commonly used to describe informing authorities about someone's wrongdoings, such as reporting unlawful activities. However, it can also refer to failing to keep a promise, depending on the context.
What are the different verb forms of “rat on”?
| Root Verb | *rat on* |
| Third Person Singular Present | *rats on* |
| Present Participle | *ratting on* |
| Simple Past | *ratted on* |
| Past Participle | *ratted on* |
Example
She would never rat on her friends, no matter what.
Example
He often rats on his classmates when they break the rules.
Example
They're discussing the consequences of ratting on someone's secret.
Example
Yesterday, she ratted on her brother for sneaking out.
Example
The friend had been ratted on and felt betrayed.
What kind of phrasal verb is “rat on”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“rat on” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She ratted on her neighbors to the police.
Example
He always rats on his classmates for minor infractions.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“rat on” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She ratted on her neighbors to the police.
Example
He always rats on his classmates for minor infractions.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “rat on”?
Good things to know
Does “rat on” have an informal or formal tone?
The phrasal verb rat on is informal and can be used in casual conversations. However, it's essential to consider the sensitivity of the context when using it.
