the rest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the rest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the remaining part of something after a portion has been specified or discussed. Example: "I have completed the first half of the project; now I will focus on the rest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The rest were Belgian.

The New York Times

The rest live elsewhere.

The New York Times

The rest is work".

The New Yorker

He sank the rest.

The New Yorker

The rest are unemployed".

The New York Times

The rest is dance.

The New Yorker

The rest are minor".

Independent

But the rest… Patriotism?

The New Yorker

But the rest?

Independent

The rest happened fast.

The New York Times

We know the rest.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure clarity when using "the rest". Make it clear what "the rest" is referring to, especially when the context isn't immediately obvious. For example, instead of saying "Some people liked the movie, but the rest didn't", be more specific: "Some people liked the movie, but the rest of the audience didn't".

Common error

Avoid using "the rest" when the antecedent is unclear. Readers might misunderstand what is being referred to. Always provide context to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the rest" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun (implicit or explicit) to indicate the remaining portion or members of a previously identified group. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English. This phrase is commonly used to specify what remains after a part has been singled out.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Formal & Business

20%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the rest" is a versatile and frequently used determiner phrase that refers to the remaining portion of something previously mentioned. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its neutral register allows it to fit seamlessly into various contexts, from news articles to everyday conversations. When using "the rest", ensure clarity by providing sufficient context so your audience understands what you are referring to. Alternatives like "the remainder" or "what's left" can be used depending on the level of formality you want to achieve.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the remainder

Replaces "rest" with "remainder", emphasizing the portion that remains.

the remaining part

More explicit, specifying that it's the part that remains.

what's left

Informal way to refer to what remains.

the balance

Implies a remaining amount needed to complete something.

the others

Refers to remaining people or items in a group.

the residue

More formal, often used in scientific or technical contexts.

the remnant

Implies a small remaining part of something larger.

the surplus

Refers to the excess or what's more than needed.

the unspecified

Highlights that a portion was not specifically identified.

the untaken

Focuses on items or opportunities that haven't been used.

FAQs

How can I use "the rest" in a sentence?

Use "the rest" to refer to the remaining portion of something that has already been mentioned. For example, "I ate some of the cake; I'll save "the rest" for later".

What's a more formal alternative to "the rest"?

A more formal alternative is "the remainder". For example, instead of "I'll handle the rest", you could say, "I'll handle the remainder of the task".

Is it okay to start a sentence with "the rest"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct to start a sentence with "the rest", as long as the context makes it clear what ""the rest"" is referring to. For example, "I finished my homework; the rest can wait until tomorrow".

What's the difference between "the rest" and "others"?

"The rest" refers to a specific remaining portion or group that has been implicitly defined, while "others" is a more general term for additional people or things. For example, "Some went to the store, and "the rest" stayed home" implies a defined group, whereas "Some like apples, others like oranges" is more general.