What are the definitions of “rat through”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Look for something hurriedly.
I RATTED THROUGH the papers on my desk but couldn't find the letter.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “rat through”?
The phrasal verb rat through means to look for something hurriedly, often in a messy or disorganized manner. It is used when someone is searching for an item quickly and without much care for the order of the items being searched.
What are the different verb forms of “rat through”?
| Root Verb | rat through |
| Third Person Singular Present | rats through |
| Present Participle | ratting through |
| Simple Past | ratted through |
| Past Participle | ratted through |
Example
I need to rat through my closet to find my favorite shirt.
Example
She rats through her purse to find her keys.
Example
He is ratting through the drawer to find a pen.
Example
Yesterday, they ratted through the boxes in the attic.
Example
The documents had been ratted through before we arrived.
What kind of phrasal verb is “rat through”?
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 through” 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 through her bag to find her wallet.
Example
He ratted through the papers on his desk.
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 through” 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 through her bag to find her wallet.
Example
He ratted through the papers on his desk.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “rat through”?
Good things to know
Does “rat through” have an informal or formal tone?
Rat through is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations. It may not be suitable for formal writing or professional settings. In more formal contexts, consider using synonyms such as 'search' or 'rummage.'
