a rather alien

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rather alien" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that feels foreign or unfamiliar in a particular context. Example: "The customs of the new culture felt a rather alien experience for the travelers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

So the idea of Mr Obama descending into the arena and grubbing for votes is a rather alien one.By happy chance, I was in a bar not far from the White House this evening surrounded by busy, besuited Washington types supping Yuenglings and scoffing sushi and burgers (though not together)—when my dining companion, an old friend, suddenly pointed to the giant television high in one corner.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Turrell experience actually houses the Crystals' station of the monorail, a spaceship of sorts to a city compound that is rather alien to any other metropolis in this country.

Huffington Post

To a general American audience, such excited talk of Lions and Barbarians is probably rather alien and an explanation, of sorts, is in order.

The Guardian - Sport

A lot of art today is more particular, takes a little longer to appreciate, and might at first seem rather alien.

Independent

The worlds in question are rather alien places in the universe of New York theater.

The New York Times

There was just something about my persona that people thought was rather alien".

The Guardian

In later life, he sometimes boasted that in 1915 he had been a gold prospector in the Klondike and had shot up quite a few rivals who tried to jump his claim, but no record confirms this reminiscence, and such acts of violence would seem rather alien to his normally mild disposition.

The New Yorker

I couldn't have asked for a more graphic illustration of the importance of making the team work, and the power of being process-, rathan than result-, orientated (something rather alien to most scientists, I would guess).

Science Magazine

In a rather standard alien-menace maneuver, Čapek's robots outcompete humanity within the new milieu of industrial mass production and attempt to exterminate the human race.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The rather alien-looking sprouts were delicious, even twice-boiled (several changes of water are necessary to extract toxins).

The New York Times

According to Michele and Duncan Barrett, Roddenberry had a decidedly negative view of religion that was reflected in the Star Trek television series episodes; in the episode "Who Mourns for Adonais?", for example, the god Apollo is revealed to be a fraud, an alien rather than a divine being from Earth's past.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something as "a rather alien" concept, ensure the context clearly establishes what it is alien to. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens your description.

Common error

Avoid using "a rather alien" in very casual or informal settings. Simpler alternatives like "unfamiliar" or "strange" may be more appropriate for everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rather alien" functions primarily as a pre-modifying adjective phrase. It describes a noun, indicating that the noun is foreign or unfamiliar. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a rather alien" is a grammatically sound and usable English phrase that describes something as foreign or unfamiliar. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and it is best used in neutral to slightly formal contexts, most commonly in news and media, but also in scientific writing. While "a rather alien" is a valid expression, remember to ensure its usage is appropriate for the tone of your writing, and consider alternatives like "somewhat foreign" or "quite unfamiliar" for simpler or more casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat foreign

Replaces "rather alien" with a simpler term for unfamiliarity.

quite unfamiliar

Emphasizes the lack of familiarity with something.

relatively unknown

Focuses on the lack of awareness or knowledge.

distinctly foreign

Highlights the difference or foreignness.

somewhat estranged

Implies a sense of separation or distance.

rather unconventional

Shifts the focus to something not conforming to norms.

quite extraordinary

Emphasizes the exceptional or unusual nature.

markedly different

Highlights a clear difference.

fairly remote

Focuses on the distance or separation from something familiar.

uncommonly strange

Underscores the peculiarity or strangeness.

FAQs

What does "a rather alien" mean?

The phrase "a rather alien" describes something that feels foreign, unfamiliar, or strange in a specific context. It suggests a moderate degree of otherness.

What are some alternatives to "a rather alien"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat foreign", "quite unfamiliar", or "distinctly foreign" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "a rather alien" in a sentence?

For instance, you might say, "The customs of the new culture felt like "a rather alien" experience to the travelers", indicating that the customs were unfamiliar and somewhat strange to them.

Is it always appropriate to use "a rather alien" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a rather alien" can sometimes sound slightly stilted in very formal contexts. Consider whether a simpler alternative like "unfamiliar" or "foreign" might be a better fit.