The rest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "The rest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the remaining part of something that has already been mentioned or is understood in context. Example: "I finished my report, but I still need to work on the rest before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The rest were Belgian.

The New York Times

The rest live elsewhere.

The New York Times

The rest is work".

The New Yorker

The rest are unemployed".

The New York Times

The rest is dance.

The New Yorker

The rest are minor".

Independent

The rest happened fast.

The New York Times

The rest are complete.

Independent

The rest is guesswork.

The New York Times - Sports

The rest are mine.

The New Yorker

The rest are waiting.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "The rest" when referring to a clearly defined group or quantity already mentioned to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Ensure that the context makes it clear what "the rest" refers to; otherwise, specify the noun to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "The rest" functions as a determiner phrase, often serving as a noun phrase acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig examples show it referring to remaining portions or members of a group, as validated by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "The rest" is a versatile determiner phrase used to denote the remaining part of something already mentioned. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and prevalent across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, ensuring clarity is key—always make it obvious what "the rest" refers to. For more formal settings, consider synonyms like "the remainder". Ultimately, understanding its function and context ensures effective communication. With "The rest", you clearly indicate what remains!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The remainder

Replaces "rest" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing what remains.

The remaining part

Explicitly states that a portion is left over or not yet addressed.

What remains

Highlights the surviving or persistent part after something has been diminished or removed.

The others

Refers to the remaining individuals or items within a group.

The residue

Implies a remaining part after a process, often with a negative connotation.

The balance

Suggests the remaining quantity needed to achieve equilibrium or completion.

The surplus

Indicates an excess or overabundance that is left over.

The leftovers

Specifically refers to food remaining after a meal, but can be used metaphorically.

The uncounted

Emphasizes that a portion has not been included in a previous count or consideration.

The untaken

Refers to items or opportunities that are still available or unused.

FAQs

How can I use "The rest" in a sentence?

You can use "The rest" to refer to the remaining portion of something previously mentioned. For example, "I ate some of the cake, and saved the rest for later."

What's a more formal alternative to "The rest"?

A more formal alternative to "The rest" is "the remainder", which is suitable for academic or professional writing.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "The rest"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "The rest", especially when the context is clear from the previous sentence or paragraph.

How does "The rest" differ from "The others"?

"The rest" typically refers to a remaining quantity or portion, while "the others" refers to remaining individuals or members of a group.