and the cockroach

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "and the cockroach" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, often to refer to an unexpected or unwanted element in a situation or narrative. Example: "In the midst of the party, the lights went out, and the cockroach scuttled across the floor, causing everyone to scream."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

And the cockroach alarm?

The New York Times

The average American can name fewer than thirty, and the cockroach is always one of them.

The New Yorker

I think of all that precious, friable, impermanent, and biodegradable paper and what certain species like the booklouse, the silverfish, and the cockroach might want to do with it, not to mention the lower forms of life.

The New Yorker

Thus, it is not surprising that in the cellular and molecular design of the circadian system of both insect species there are quite some differences and the cockroach clock resembles in several aspects more the mammalian than the fruitfly clock.

Current Opinion in Insect Science

Constructed by artist Jason Turgeon and his motley crew at the Cat and the Cockroach Collective, The Blunderwood Portable magnifies the mechanics, shape, and scale of a 1927 Underwood Standard Portable Typewriter by a factor of 24.

Vice

The popularity of horror anthology TV from the 80s gave birth to kid friendly versions of the same format in the 90s, and we were gifted with shows like Goosebumps, Are You Afraid of the Dark?, and the weird Canadian one with the maggot and the cockroach that nobody remembers, Freaky Stories.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Many ingredients for a further fall in prices are easy to identify: a return of Iranian oil to world markets; a mild northern winter; a shortage of capacity to store oil on land; the high cost of oil tankers to serve as floating storage; and the cockroach-like resilience of US shale oil producers in North Dakota, where production rose in November.

The Guardian - Business

"It's going to be me, Cher, and the cockroaches".

The New York Times - Arts

When he kicks over a rock and the cockroaches scurry, he tries to kill them".

The New York Times

"I had to get rid of the rats and the cockroaches".

The New York Times

Occasionally something bigger drops — a bat, say — and the cockroaches eat that too.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "and the cockroach" in creative writing, consider the symbolic weight a cockroach carries. It can represent resilience, disgust, or urban decay, adding layers of meaning to your text.

Common error

Avoid using "and the cockroach" repeatedly as a metaphor without varying your language. Overuse can dilute its impact and make your writing seem predictable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "and the cockroach" primarily functions as a conjunctional phrase, connecting a noun or clause with the specific subject of a cockroach. Ludwig examples show it used to introduce an unexpected or undesirable element. It functions as a connector.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

38%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "and the cockroach" is a conjunctional phrase with a neutral to informal register. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct. Its primary function is to introduce an element of surprise or unease, often symbolizing resilience or urban decay. While it appears across different domains, it's most frequently found in News & Media and Science, with the New York Times, New Yorker and Vice being authoritative sources. Consider the potential symbolic weight of the cockroach and avoid overuse in metaphorical contexts to maintain impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as well as the cockroach

More formal way of saying 'and the cockroach'.

along with the cockroach

Emphasizes addition or inclusion more explicitly.

together with the cockroach

Similar to 'along with', but might suggest a closer association.

including the cockroach

Specifically highlights the cockroach as part of a larger group.

and that cockroach

Highlights a specific cockroach, perhaps one already mentioned.

plus the cockroach

Informal way of adding the cockroach to a list.

also the cockroach

Simple addition of the cockroach, perhaps as an afterthought.

besides the cockroach

Indicates the cockroach is in addition to other things already mentioned.

with the cockroach

Indicates the presence or involvement of the cockroach.

and a cockroach

Less specific, referring to any cockroach rather than a particular one.

FAQs

How can I use "and the cockroach" in a sentence?

You can use "and the cockroach" to add an unexpected or unwanted element to a description or narrative. For example, "The apartment was clean, modern, and the cockroach scuttled across the floor".

What can I say instead of "and the cockroach"?

You can use alternatives like "along with the cockroach", "including the cockroach", or "as well as the cockroach" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "and the cockroach" in formal writing?

No, using "and the cockroach" might not always be suitable for formal writing, especially if it's used metaphorically. Consider the tone and audience of your writing.

What does "and the cockroach" typically symbolize in literature?

In literature, "and the cockroach" often symbolizes resilience, disgust, urban decay, or the persistence of something unwanted.