a rather coarse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rather coarse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is rough, unrefined, or lacking in delicacy, often in relation to texture or behavior. Example: "The fabric was a rather coarse material, making it uncomfortable to wear for long periods."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

I find a rather coarse mince yields the best result – ideally done by hand, and using a cut of beef with some fat attached, such as flank, rump or shoulder.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In the figural compositions of the first eight years of his career, he obviously emulated Rubens's melodramatic style, though, instead of using Rubens's technique of enamel-like glazes, he painted directly and with a rather coarse texture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's an ideology that is explicitly based on a refusal to compromise with squalid reality, and dedicated to cheerleading for war whenever one looks practical, and a rather coarse and unattractive self-aggrandisement of the US at the expense of all other countries (particularly Muslim ones) at all other times.

The Guardian - Opinion

The contractor, whose name was something like Herbie, was a rather coarse but cheerful man, as I remember him, and I liked his approach to pricing a job: he looked over the area in question and then gave the customer a fixed price, not an estimate, of what the job would cost.

The New Yorker

So this paper utilizes the simple method to obtain a rather coarse, but little estimate deviation of x ̂.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

The self-equilibrating part can be directly related to notch geometry and captured using a rather coarse finite element model.

International Journal of Fatigue

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

At present, Jonathan Berman's conducting is a rather coarse-grained affair: he has yet to unlock the beauties latent in Debussy's exquisitely calibrated score.

Independent

Even if there is something to the thought that inquiry aims at truth, it has to be admitted that truth is a rather coarse-grained property of propositions.

SEP

Sleek in reproduction, the painting, of a probably imaginary young woman, is rather coarse in person.

The New Yorker

Sleek in reproduction, the painting, of a probably imaginary young woman, is rather coarse when seen in person.

The New Yorker

It's possible that common milkweed has become a horticultural wallflower because of its large, rather coarse leaves.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a rather coarse" to convey a degree of roughness or lack of refinement that is noticeable but not extreme. Consider the specific connotations of "coarse" – such as texture, behavior, or precision – to ensure it aligns with your intended meaning.

Common error

While grammatically correct, relying too heavily on "a rather coarse" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "somewhat unrefined" or "moderately rough" to add nuance and sophistication to your prose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rather coarse" functions as an adjectival modifier, specifically an intensifier modifying an adjective. According to Ludwig, it is considered correct and usable in written English, indicating a moderate degree of the quality described by the adjective it modifies.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rather coarse" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe something possessing a noticeable, but not extreme, degree of roughness, lack of refinement, or imprecision. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is most frequently found in scientific and news media contexts, with a slightly formal or neutral register. While correct, consider using synonyms to avoid repetition and ensure the most nuanced description possible. Remember that "coarse" can sometimes carry negative connotations, so choose your words carefully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat unrefined

Indicates a slightly less polished or sophisticated quality, focusing on the lack of refinement.

rather unrefined

Focuses on the lack of elegance and sophistication.

slightly crude

Implies a minor lack of sophistication or precision, often in execution or detail.

moderately rough

Highlights the tactile quality of being uneven or not smooth to a certain extent.

fairly imprecise

Emphasizes the lack of exactness or accuracy to a noticeable degree.

relatively unpolished

Suggests a lack of finish or refinement compared to a certain standard.

kind of rough

Emphasizes the tactile quality of being uneven or not smooth in informal way.

a bit crude

Similar to slightly crude, but used in informal way.

reasonably crude

Similar to slightly crude, but may imply a more acceptable level of crudeness depending on context.

somewhat approximate

Indicates that something is not exact but close enough for a particular purpose.

FAQs

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

You can use "a rather coarse" to describe something that is rough in texture, unrefined in quality, or imprecise in detail. For example, "The fabric had a rather coarse texture", or "His behavior was a rather coarse display of disrespect".

What are some alternatives to "a rather coarse"?

Some alternatives include "somewhat unrefined", "moderately rough", or "slightly crude", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each alternative offers a slightly different shade of meaning./s/moderately+rough"moderately rough".

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

Yes, "a rather coarse" is grammatically correct and can be used in formal writing, but consider whether a more precise or sophisticated term might be more appropriate, depending on the context and tone. Alternatives like "somewhat unrefined" or "moderately rough" may sometimes provide a more nuanced description.

What's the difference between "a rather coarse" and "a very coarse"?

"A rather coarse" indicates a moderate degree of roughness or lack of refinement, while "a very coarse" implies a higher degree of the same. The choice depends on the extent to which you want to emphasize the quality being described. Consider also using "extremely coarse" or "exceedingly coarse" for emphasis.