Rank And File

B2 16+

Pronunciation: /ræŋk ənd faɪl/

Definitions of rank and file

noun a group of people who form the main body of an organization or movement

Example Sentences

A1 The rank and file workers are the backbone of the company.

A2 The rank and file members of the organization are responsible for carrying out day-to-day tasks.

B1 The rank and file employees have been expressing their concerns about working conditions.

B2 The rank and file soldiers followed their commanding officer's orders without question.

C1 The rank and file of the political party held a meeting to discuss their strategy for the upcoming election.

C2 The rank and file of the union were united in their demands for better wages and benefits.

conjunction used to connect the two nouns 'rank' and 'file' to form a compound noun

Example Sentences

A1 The rank and file employees work hard every day.

A2 The rank and file members of the organization were not happy with the decision.

B1 The rank and file workers are the backbone of the company.

B2 The rank and file soldiers followed their leader into battle.

C1 The rank and file of the political party were divided on the issue.

C2 The rank and file of the union demanded better wages and working conditions.

Examples of rank and file in a Sentence

formal The company's management team regularly communicates with the rank and file employees.

informal The boss needs to hear feedback from the rank and file workers.

slang The rank and file are the backbone of this organization.

figurative In times of crisis, it's important for the leaders to stand united with the rank and file.

Grammatical Forms of rank and file

plural

ranks and files

comparative

more rank and file

superlative

most rank and file

present tense

ranks and files

future tense

will rank and file

perfect tense

have ranked and filed

continuous tense

are ranking and filing

singular

rank and file

positive degree

rank and file

infinitive

to rank and file

gerund

ranking and filing

participle

ranked and filed

Origin and Evolution of rank and file

First Known Use: 1598 year
Language of Origin: English
Story behind the word: The term 'rank and file' originated from military terminology, referring to the ordinary soldiers who stood in formation.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the term 'rank and file' has expanded beyond military contexts to refer to the ordinary members of a group or organization, without any hierarchical connotations.