rats

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "rats" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a noun to refer to a type of rodent (e.g. "The rats in the attic are a real nuisance") or an exclamation of annoyance or disappointment (e.g. "Rats! I missed the bus again!").

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Do the rats get feisty in the heat?

The Guardian

Do we? Now if MIT could just visualise the number of rats complaining about humans, we'd be getting somewhere really interesting.

The Guardian

Atrazine can cause kidney damage at high levels; acute exposure to 2.4-D can cause chronic kidney damage; pendimethalin, says Watterson, is "harmful through skin contact and inhalation"; in lab tests, long-term feeding of terbutryn to rats caused kidney damage.

The Guardian

A few studies led by an Italian scientist Gilles-Eric Séralini have reported health risks from GM food and animal feed, notably one in 2012 linking a herbicide-tolerant maize to tumours and early death in rats.

The Guardian

Incidentally, Next City reports that Manila is putting a bounty on rats.

The Guardian

In the US, the two parties fight like rats in a sack over pretty much everything they think may help their candidates.

The Guardian

Then he tells me about seeing a letting agent in Edmonton who offered a mate a flat to rent, "provided you don't mind rats".

The Guardian - Opinion

More worryingly, scientists at the University of California have discovered a method of using light to form, erase and then restore memories in rats.

The Guardian - Film

I remember how great was the scoffing in the early 1970s when John first described 'place cells' … 'Bound to be an artifact', 'He clearly underestimates rats' sense of smell', were typical reactions.

The Guardian

She described how the place was infested with rats and cockroaches, inmates were piled on top of one another, suicidal prisoners were left in chains (drinking disinfectant was one of the most common ways to try to kill yourself).

The Guardian

After asking university friends about their housing through Facebook, I was flooded with reports of horror stories: gaping holes in bedrooms that let cold air in, slugs, rats, poor insulation, damp and mould.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rats" in scientific or formal writing, ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to the animals themselves or using the term metaphorically. Be mindful of the negative connotations the word carries.

Common error

Avoid using "rats" informally or as slang in professional or academic writing. Opt for more neutral or precise language depending on your intent, such as "rodents" or "informants".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "rats" is a plural noun, referring to multiple rodents. It can also function as an interjection expressing annoyance. Ludwig shows examples ranging from scientific studies involving "rats" to informal expressions of frustration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "rats" is a versatile term primarily used as a plural noun to refer to rodents, but also functions as an interjection expressing annoyance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. As a noun, it commonly appears in news and scientific contexts. As slang, it's more informal. When writing, consider your audience and context to determine the most appropriate use. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its diverse applications, from scientific studies to casual expressions of frustration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rodents

Refers to the broader category of animals that "rats" belong to, useful when discussing "rats" in a scientific or general context.

vermin

Emphasizes the pestilent nature of "rats", suitable when discussing problems associated with "rats".

informers

Uses "rats" in its slang meaning to describe people who betray secrets.

betrayers

Highlights the act of betrayal, similar to the slang usage of "rats".

damn

Functions as an interjection expressing annoyance, mirroring one use of "rats".

darn

Similar to "damn", it's a mild expletive to express frustration.

scoundrels

Refers to deceitful or unreliable people.

double-crossers

Specifically implies an act of betrayal after a promise or agreement.

scum

Implies a low opinion, similar to calling someone a "rat".

lowlifes

Describes individuals considered immoral or of low social status.

FAQs

How can I use "rats" in a sentence?

You can use "rats" as a noun to refer to the rodents themselves, as in "The city has a problem with "rat infestation"". You can also use it as an interjection expressing annoyance, such as "Rats! I forgot my keys".

What are some synonyms for "rats" when referring to the animal?

When referring to the animal, you can use terms like "rodents" or specify the species if known, such as "Norway "rat species"".

When is it appropriate to use "rats" as slang?

Using "rats" as slang to mean "informers" or "betrayers" is generally acceptable in informal settings or creative writing. Be mindful of your audience and the potential negative connotations.

What's the difference between calling someone "rats" and calling them "snitches"?

"Rats" and "snitches" both refer to informers, but "rats" can carry a stronger negative connotation, implying a deeper level of betrayal. "Snitches" is generally more neutral and simply describes someone who reports others.