rear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rear" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
It can be used to refer to the back part of something, such as a vehicle or an animal, or in a figurative sense to describe the upbringing of children. Example: "The horse kicked out with its rear leg, startling the rider."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Arts

Sport

Lifestyle

Business

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

As Maggie O'Farrell put it in her Guardian review: "The stories wrap themselves around the wholly disconcerting premise that catastrophes can rear up in anyone's life without warning".

The Guardian

When I'm not otherwise occupied, the individuals in my life rear out from the corners of my imagination, each a potential enemy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This work has largely been at the rear of the hospital so, to lend some balance, the front is disgusting.

The Guardian

He built a bespoke jet pipe that could jink past the rear wheel and added an afterburner to give the extra kick needed.

The Guardian - Tech

The larger, more traditional high-ceilinged "white cube" space in the rear has accommodated a ghostly slide projector installation from English artist Claire Harvey's "life in black and white" miniature world, plus more conventional sculpture and painting exhibitions from established artists such as Folkert de Jong and Sven Kroner.

The Guardian - Travel

I was not spared: the guard kept hitting me on my head and squeezing my neck against the rear end of the other detainee.

The Guardian

The side of the rear staircase is styled with a self-conscious glamour, but other than that, almost every feature of the bus is subject to some regulation or other.

The Guardian - Arts

I must confess that when I first saw his new bus, with its ribbon window winding up the rear and side, I feared the worst.

The Guardian - Arts

Jeremy T McSpadden Jr, 18, of Spokane Valley, Washington, stumbled, fell and was run over under the rear passenger wheel of a bus which was part of a "Zombie Slayer Bus Ride" held at the Incredible Corn Maze in Hauser, Idaho.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It includes the line "staring at the faces in the rear-view mirror, looking at the promise of the promised land".

The Guardian

Stopping is another problem – first a parachute is released to slow it down, before a rear-wheel brake can bite.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rear" to mean 'to raise', consider the context to ensure it's not misinterpreted as referring to the back of something. For clarity, especially in formal writing, using "raise" or "nurture" might be preferable.

Common error

Be mindful of the multiple meanings of "rear". Ensure that the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to the back of something, the act of raising something, or the buttocks. Lack of clarity can lead to unintended humor or confusion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "rear" is multifaceted. It functions as a noun referring to the back part, an adjective describing something located at the back, and a verb meaning to raise or nurture. Ludwig AI examples illustrate these diverse uses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Tech

7%

Arts

7%

Less common in

Sport

7%

Lifestyle

7%

Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "rear" is a versatile term serving as a noun, adjective, and verb, each with distinct meanings. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used. Primarily, "rear" refers to the back part of something, but it also signifies raising or nurturing. While its register is generally neutral, context is key to avoiding ambiguity, especially when used informally. As the Ludwig AI examples demonstrate, "rear" appears most commonly in news and media, making it a widely recognized and adaptable term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

back

Focuses on the spatial aspect of being behind something, similar to one meaning of "rear".

hind part

Specifies the back portion, emphasizing the anatomical or structural aspect.

bring up

Replaces the "raise" or "nurture" sense of "rear", relating to upbringing.

raise

Similar to "rear" when referring to lifting or elevating something.

buttocks

A more clinical term for the part of the anatomy.

posterior

A formal synonym for the buttocks.

back end

A more informal phrase for buttocks

rear end

A more informal phrase that references the back of an object or vehicle.

backside

A more informal phrase that references the buttocks.

stern

Related to the rearmost part of a ship.

FAQs

How can "rear" be used in a sentence?

"Rear" can refer to the back of something, as in "the "rear wheel" of a car". It can also mean to raise or nurture, such as "to "rear children"".

What are some alternatives to using "rear"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "back", "hind", "raise", or "nurture". For example, instead of "the rear of the building", you could say "the "back of the building"".

Is it correct to use "rear" as a verb?

Yes, "rear" is a verb that means to raise, nurture, or lift up. Ludwig AI confirms this usage and provides examples such as "to "rear cattle"".

What's the difference between "rear" and "back"?

"Rear" often implies the furthest point back or a more specific anatomical region, while "back" is a more general term for something behind. For example, the "rear" of a vehicle is more specific than saying the "back" of a vehicle, while "back" can be used as a more general descriptive term.