I ration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I ration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of controlling or limiting the amount of something, often in the context of resources or food. Example: "During the emergency, I ration my food supplies to ensure they last until help arrives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

NINE years ago the candy company Just Born purchased Goldenberg's Peanut Chews, the Philadelphia candy bar introduced in 1917 as a World War I ration, with plans to transform what had been a popular regional treat into a national brand.

The New York Times

So I ration the "brain books".

Independent

I ration it, and it's lasting very nicely".

The New Yorker

"In a sense I ration myself, because I love doing them".

The New York Times - Arts

I ration myself because there tends to be a new one only every five years or so.

The Guardian - Books

The growth temperature was set at 450°C and a V/III ration of 5 1.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Marketing origins: World War I rations officers, Welch's — which came out with Grapelade — and peanut companies that latched onto it.

Independent

I rationed the little water I had for four or five days, then it was gone.

BBC

I rationed that out carefully, but still had lingering headaches, jumpiness and low-level grumpiness.

Huffington Post

I rationed our food, I kept our candles going, I surveyed damage and helped our neighbors, not once freaking out.

Huffington Post

Since I had only a few dollars with me, I rationed a dollar a day for two $0.49 McDonald's hamburgers.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I ration" when you want to convey the idea of consciously controlling or limiting the amount of something, especially when resources are scarce or need to be preserved.

Common error

While "I ration" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or serious in everyday conversation. Consider using more casual alternatives like "I limit" or "I conserve" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I ration" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "I" is the subject and "ration" is the verb. It expresses an action taken by the speaker. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows examples of it being used in sentences to describe the act of limiting or controlling something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I ration" signifies the act of deliberately limiting or controlling something. Ludwig highlights its grammatical correctness and usage across diverse contexts, predominantly in news and science. While suitable for formal writing, it may be less fitting in casual conversation. Consider alternatives like "I limit" or "I conserve" for more informal situations. "I ration" is a versatile phrase for expressing mindful resource management or self-imposed limitations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I limit

This alternative uses a direct synonym for "ration", focusing on the act of setting a boundary or maximum.

I conserve

This suggests careful and thrifty use, emphasizing the preservation of resources.

I budget

This alternative implies a careful allocation of resources, especially financial ones.

I allocate sparingly

Adds emphasis on the limited nature of allocation

I distribute in small amounts

Emphasizes the limited quantity when sharing something.

I control the usage of

This alternative highlights active management and regulation of use.

I am frugal with

Focuses on avoiding waste and being economical with a resource.

I am economical with

This implies managing resources efficiently to avoid waste.

I portion out carefully

This focuses on controlled division and distribution of something.

I administer with care

This suggests a deliberate and thoughtful approach to managing a resource.

FAQs

What does "I ration" mean?

The phrase "I ration" means to control or limit the amount of something that you use or consume, often because there is a limited supply.

How can I use "I ration" in a sentence?

You can use "I ration" when describing the act of controlling or limiting something, like "During the drought, "I ration" water carefully."

What can I say instead of "I ration"?

You can use alternatives like "I limit", "I conserve", or "I budget" depending on the specific context and what you are trying to express.

Is "I ration" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "I ration" is appropriate for formal writing. However, depending on the context, alternatives such as "I conserve" or "I allocate sparingly" might provide a more nuanced meaning.