rata

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "rata" is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used as a regional phrase, particularly in the rural areas of Scotland, meaning "to talk or chatter". For example, "The old men were sitting in the pub, rataing about their days in the military".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Dr Andrew Dearden, the BMA's treasurer and a GP, and Dr Ian Wilson, the chair of the union's representative body and a hospital pain specialist, were both awarded a pro rata share of a silver clinical excellence award, worth £46,644.

The Guardian

Richard earned £45,000 ($75,000) pro rata, the same as a first-year employee.The rise in internships has been encouraged by universities which, anxious to justify sharply rising tuition fees, are seeking to get their students on the path to jobs.

The Economist

Minority investors, fearing that their shares in what was left would lose value, were trying to block asset sales and ensure that shares in the broken-up UES would be distributed pro rata to shareholders.

The Economist

Without nuclear power and with other fuels filling in its share pro rata, emissions from generation would have been about 11 billion tonnes.

The Economist

In January 2004 blends up to B5 were legalised, and the exemption was extended, pro rata, to them.

The Economist

The rows, of which the latest broke at a conference in Boston last week, are about how Mr Chubais is preparing for it.Minority shareholders say Mr Chubais has been pre-emptively selling UES assets cheaply on the sly, despite Mr Putin's decree last year that the company must be broken up "pro rata"—ensuring that anybody with a stake now will have the same stake in its restructured parts.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Mr Abe's dramatic rata-tat-tat of policy shifts has excited and enthused them.

The Economist

Silver and mountain beech forests are found in the east, and dense rata-kamahi forests are in the west.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Insured banks are assessed on the basis of their average deposits; they are currently allowed pro-rata credits totaling two-thirds of the annual assessments after deductions for losses and corporation expenses.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Perhaps the average banking intern is indeed getting home at a more civilised hour this summer, though our three interns laugh at the suggestion that they might have regular weekends off or that they could take their four pro-rata days of annual leave.

Independent

The 450 parishes in Scotland will receive a pro-rata allocation of places based on their mass attendance figures.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rata" or "pro rata" in financial contexts, ensure you accurately calculate the proportional share to avoid discrepancies or legal issues. Always double-check your figures and calculations.

Common error

Avoid using "rata" interchangeably with terms like "equal" or "identical." "Rata" implies proportionality, not necessarily equality. Using it incorrectly can lead to misunderstandings about fairness and distribution.

Linguistic Context

The word "rata", often appearing in the phrase "pro rata", functions as an adjective specifying a proportional distribution or allocation. It modifies nouns to indicate that something is being divided or shared in a proportionate manner. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rata" primarily functions as an adjective meaning proportional, commonly appearing in the phrase "pro rata". As demonstrated by Ludwig, its usage is grammatically correct and especially frequent in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science contexts. It signifies fairness and equity in distribution, particularly in financial and legal settings. When using "rata", it's important to ensure precise calculation and understanding of the proportionality principle to avoid confusion with terms implying equality. Consider "proportional", "apportioned", or "commensurate" as related alternatives to enhance language clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proportional

This alternative emphasizes the direct relationship between quantities, indicating a consistent ratio or share.

pro rata

This alternative focuses on a proportional allocation or distribution, often in financial or legal settings.

apportioned

This alternative highlights the act of dividing and assigning something according to a specific plan or ratio.

commensurate

This alternative implies that something is in proportion or corresponds in size or degree to something else.

distributed proportionally

This alternative clarifies the process of allocating shares or amounts based on a consistent ratio.

allocated fairly

This alternative suggests a just and equitable distribution, often considering various factors.

divided equitably

This alternative stresses the impartiality and fairness in the distribution process.

corresponding

This alternative suggests a direct and matching relationship between two or more elements.

equivalent share

This alternative emphasizes the concept of an equal or proportionate part of a whole.

proportionately adjusted

This alternative highlights the modification of something to maintain a consistent ratio or balance.

FAQs

How is "pro rata" typically used in financial contexts?

In financial contexts, "pro rata" is used to allocate or distribute something proportionally. For example, dividends may be paid out "pro rata" to shareholders based on the number of shares they own.

What's a common mistake to avoid when using "pro rata"?

A common mistake is confusing "pro rata" with equal distribution. "Pro rata" means proportional, so amounts are distributed based on a specific ratio, not necessarily in equal parts.

In what situations can I use "proportional" instead of "pro rata"?

You can use "proportional" instead of "pro rata" when you want to emphasize that something is adjusted or distributed in relation to another factor. For instance, "the bonus was proportional to their sales performance".

How do I calculate a pro rata share?

To calculate a "pro rata" share, determine the total amount to be distributed and the total base amount. Then, divide the individual's base amount by the total base amount, and multiply the result by the total amount to be distributed. This gives the individual's proportional share.