Phrasal verb
rattle through
Definition
phrasal verb. To do or finish something very quickly, like a list of tasks or a speech. You use this when you are in a hurry and want to get things done fast.
phrasal verb. To perform a task, deliver a speech, or complete a sequence of items with great speed. The verb is transitive and typically takes a noun phrase representing a list or agenda as its object.
Examples
“We need to rattle through these last few emails before lunch.”
“The manager rattled through the meeting agenda in ten minutes because he had a plane to catch.”
“The lecturer proceeded to rattle through the complex historical timeline, leaving the students struggling to capture the nuances of the geopolitical shifts.”
Examples
simple
“We need to rattle through these last few emails before lunch.”
contextual
“The manager rattled through the meeting agenda in ten minutes because he had a plane to catch.”
complex
“The lecturer proceeded to rattle through the complex historical timeline, leaving the students struggling to capture the nuances of the geopolitical shifts.”
Usage
Usually takes a noun object representing a list, a set of tasks, or a spoken text.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'breeze through' (which implies ease) versus 'rattle through' (which implies speed and sometimes a lack of care).
Pitfall
He rattled through of the presentation.
He rattled through the presentation.
The particle 'through' is followed directly by the object without the preposition 'of'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
through
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
rattle + through + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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