ratted me out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ratted me out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in informal contexts to describe someone who informs on another person, often in a negative or betraying manner. Example: "I thought we were friends, but he ratted me out to the teacher about my late homework."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"Kobe ratted me out, that's why I'm getting divorced," O'Neal continued.

The New Yorker

Tucker glowered at Green, convinced that his friend had "ratted me out".

The New Yorker

Nat, it appeared, had ratted me out, for now Kaen was approaching.

The New York Times - Sports

He said in his suicide note that he had carefully planned a suicide attempt once before, but a friend, to whom he said goodbye in the note, "ratted me out".

The New York Times

I didn't think anything more about it, but he ratted me out to my parents!

Huffington Post

Mrs. Kimble almost ratted me out but she said they don't have no paper on me.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"Did they ever find it?" "You didn't rat me out," I say.

The Guardian

if I want to secretly compromise my musical cred by listening to The Archies, why do my headphones have to rat me out?

The New York Times

What stopped me from Bcc'ing my friend all the time was pure paranoia -- how did I know Bcc wasn't going to rat me out?

Huffington Post

And he looks up at me as if to say, "Hey, don't rat me out," and of course, I don't because, you know, honor amongst thieves.

Huffington Post

One final note: Unlike many fellow critics, I don't rank the shows once I come up with my top 10 (which is really a top 12 -- shhh, don't rat me out).

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ratted me out" in informal settings or when aiming for a colloquial tone. Be mindful that it implies a sense of betrayal or negative consequence due to the disclosure.

Common error

Avoid using "ratted me out" in professional documents or academic papers. Opt for more formal alternatives like "reported me" or "informed on me" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ratted me out" functions as a phrasal verb, acting as the predicate of a clause. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase follows standard grammatical rules, fitting into everyday speech.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ratted me out" is a phrasal verb used to express betrayal by someone disclosing information about you. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness, though its use is best suited for informal contexts. It's most commonly found in news and media sources, implying a certain level of familiarity and directness. When aiming for a more formal or professional tone, alternatives like "informed on me" or "reported me" are more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

snitched on me

Implies informing, often about something minor or illicit, and is generally more informal.

squealed on me

Like "snitched on me" but even more informal and with a more childish connotation.

told on me

A very common and simple way to express that someone has informed about something you did. Commonly used by and when talking to children.

betrayed me

Focuses on the breach of trust and loyalty, rather than the act of informing itself; carries a heavier emotional weight.

gave me away

Suggests that someone revealed your hiding place, or something you were trying to keep secret.

informed on me

A more formal way of saying someone told authorities about something you did.

fingered me

An older, more slang-based term for identifying someone to the authorities, often in connection with a crime.

exposed me

Suggests revealing something that was meant to be hidden, often something damaging or embarrassing.

turned me in

Specifically implies informing law enforcement or other authorities.

blew the whistle on me

Highlights reporting misconduct or illegal activity to a higher authority.

FAQs

What does "ratted me out" mean?

The phrase "ratted me out" means that someone informed on you, typically revealing something you wanted to keep secret or something that could get you into trouble.

What's a less informal way to say "ratted me out"?

For a less informal option, consider using "informed on me" or "reported me". These options are suitable for professional settings.

Is "ratted me out" grammatically correct?

Yes, "ratted me out" is grammatically correct, although it's considered informal. It follows the structure of a phrasal verb.

When should I avoid using "ratted me out"?

Avoid using "ratted me out" in formal writing, academic papers, or professional communication. In these contexts, use a more formal alternative like "exposed me" or "betrayed me" depending on the intended meaning.