I rather like

USAGE SUMMARY

"I rather like" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express some degree of preference for something. For example, "I rather like the new pizza recipe my friend came up with."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But I rather like that".

Independent

(Guilty confession: I rather like the music too).

The New York Times - Arts

Normally, I rather like to see men blubbing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Someone I spoke to at Paramount has these figures that I rather like, that I find rather liberating.

The New Yorker

When people spend my money, I rather like to know what it's been spent on.

BBC

I rather like Boris.

Independent

"I rather like it melting in".

The New York Times

I rather like this effortful image-making.

Independent

I rather like this idea.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Generally, I rather like our British reserve.

The Guardian - Opinion

I rather like Tony Curtis's attitude.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I rather like" to express a polite and somewhat understated preference, particularly when discussing opinions or tastes.

Common error

Avoid using "rather" excessively in your writing. While "I rather like" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound stilted or unnatural. Vary your expressions of preference with alternatives like "I enjoy", "I appreciate", or "I'm fond of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I rather like" functions as a subjective expression of preference or mild enjoyment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It indicates a positive sentiment toward something, although not as strong as "I love" or "I adore".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I rather like" is a correct and frequently used phrase to express a mild and polite preference. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and suitable for both written and spoken English. It's particularly common in news and media contexts, although used in other areas as well. While it conveys a positive sentiment, it's important to avoid overusing "rather" in your writing to maintain a natural tone. As with all phrases, context is critical. Be sure to check out the numerous examples that Ludwig has to offer!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I quite like

Replaces "rather" with "quite", offering a slightly less formal tone while maintaining the same degree of preference.

I'm quite fond of

Substitutes the verb "like" with "fond of", emphasizing affection and slight attachment, indicating a deeper level of appreciation.

I'm partial to

Indicates a personal preference or leaning towards something, suggesting a subjective positive inclination.

I'm inclined to like

Expresses a leaning or tendency towards liking something, softening the directness of "I like".

I do like

Adds emphasis to the verb "like" for stronger affirmation, retaining the base sentiment with added intensity.

I have a liking for

Transforms the verb "like" into a noun phrase, conveying a general appreciation or fondness, often used for recurring preferences.

I am a fan of

Communicates enthusiasm or support for something, indicating active engagement and positive regard.

I'm keen on

Shares a strong interest or enthusiasm, presenting a lively and positive outlook on the subject.

I find it appealing

Focuses on the attractive or interesting nature of something, suggesting admiration or enjoyment based on its qualities.

I am drawn to

Implies an attraction or allure towards something, indicating an involuntary or natural inclination of interest.

FAQs

What does "I rather like" mean?

The phrase "I rather like" is a polite and somewhat understated way of saying that you like something. It conveys a degree of preference without being overly enthusiastic.

Is "I rather like" formal or informal?

The phrase "I rather like" is generally considered to be slightly more formal than simply saying "I like". It's appropriate for use in both formal and informal contexts, but it may sound a bit old-fashioned to some people.

What can I say instead of "I rather like"?

You can use alternatives like "I quite like", "I'm fond of", or "I appreciate" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "I rather like" or "I like rather"?

"I rather like" is the correct and more common word order. "I like rather" is grammatically awkward and not typically used.