rate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'rate' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun, verb, or adjective. For example, "I need to rate the pizza on a scale of 1 to 10."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It said that if automatic spending cuts go into force and all the Bush-era tax cuts expire, the nation would slip into recession next year and unemployment would rise to 9.1 percent, from October's rate of 7.9 percent.

The New York Times

These costs aren't trivial: a 2001 study showed that the cost of switching a loan came to about a third of the loan's annual interest rate.

The Economist

I have always argued that the deficit needs to come down, but at a rate that is credible.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is more to an economic recovery than optimism and a low unemployment rate.

The Guardian - Money

10 February: Activists claim rockets are hitting Baba Amr at the rate of one every three minutes.

The Guardian

A survey by the UKHCA found the average rate across the UK was £13.66 an hour, with Liverpool and neighbouring Knowsley councils paying less than £11.

The Guardian

Problem: Forests in Africa are being cut down at a rate of 4m hectares a year, more than twice the worldwide average rate.

The Guardian

After Cooper's interview, Burnham made it clear that he too supported the idea of a 50p top rate of income tax to help with reduction of the deficit and warned against any move by the party to ape the Conservatives.

The Guardian

She also made it clear that she would keep Labour's policy of bringing back a 50p top rate of income.

The Guardian

Successive laws passed by New Labour have pared down our liberty at an astonishing rate.

The Guardian - Opinion

You say I have 'pared down our liberty at an astonishing rate', then list a whole lot of fundamental rights, as if these had all been drastically curtailed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rate" to describe speed, ensure the context clearly indicates the subject and unit of measurement, such as "the rate of inflation" or "the car's rate of acceleration."

Common error

Avoid using "rate" and "ratio" interchangeably. "Rate" implies a change or comparison over time (e.g., growth rate), while "ratio" simply expresses a relationship between two quantities at a given point (e.g., the ratio of men to women).

Linguistic Context

The word "rate" functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a measure, quantity, or degree. As a verb, it means to evaluate or assign a value. Ludwig AI confirms that it's correct and widely used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "rate" is a versatile term functioning as both a noun and a verb. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. When writing, remember to differentiate between "rate" and "ratio". Use "rate" to indicate change over time and "ratio" for static comparisons. Synonyms like "assess", "pace", and "charge" can provide alternative phrasing. "Rate" maintains a neutral register appropriate for a wide variety of writing situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assess

Focuses on the evaluation aspect, similar to "rate" when used to judge quality or value.

evaluate

Similar to "rate" in the context of judging the worth or significance of something.

pace

Emphasizes speed or tempo, akin to "rate" when indicating the speed of an action or process.

speed

Directly refers to the velocity or quickness, like "rate" in describing movement or progress.

charge

Related to the cost or price, paralleling "rate" when referring to fees or tariffs.

cost

Highlights the expense associated with something, similar to "rate" in a financial context.

level

Indicates a position on a scale or hierarchy, resembling "rate" when used to assign a ranking.

rank

Suggests placement within an ordered system, akin to "rate" when classifying or grading.

value

Refers to the worth or importance of something, similar to "rate" when estimating value.

gauge

Implies measuring or estimating, like "rate" when determining a quantity or extent.

FAQs

How can I use "rate" in a sentence?

You can use "rate" as a noun, referring to a value or measure, as in "What is the interest rate?" or as a verb, meaning to evaluate, as in "How would you rate this restaurant?".

What are some synonyms for "rate" when referring to speed?

When "rate" refers to speed, you can use synonyms like "pace", "speed", or "tempo" depending on the context.

How does the meaning of "rate" differ from "ratio"?

"Rate" often implies a change or comparison over time, while "ratio" describes a static relationship between two quantities. For instance, you might discuss the "growth rate" of a company versus the "debt-to-equity ratio".

What is a common mistake to avoid when using "rate"?

A common mistake is using "rate" and "ratio" interchangeably. Use "rate" when referring to change over time and "ratio" when comparing two quantities at a single point in time.