a rather extraordinary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rather extraordinary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is quite remarkable or unusual in a somewhat understated manner. Example: "The artist's latest work is a rather extraordinary blend of colors and textures that captivates the viewer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

It is a rather extraordinary turn of events.

The New York Times

"Gomorrah is a rather extraordinary book," said McEwan.

The Guardian - Books

It was, for Moscow, a rather extraordinary event.

The Guardian

For Weyman, perking up constituted a rather extraordinary psychological and emotional process.

The New Yorker

Here is a rather extraordinary example of the melting-pot concept".

The New York Times - Magazine

Interviewing him over the phone from the garden of his Devon home, he explains he had a rather extraordinary childhood.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

"He was a very extravagant, rather extraordinary man, but a good photographer.

Huffington Post

"To have wives or daughters of organized crime figures appear at all is rather extraordinary, a breakdown in the idea of a secret society".

The New York Times

At Graham's and elsewhere, Poe wrote a prodigious amount of rather extraordinary literary criticism.

The New Yorker

Rather than drawing a veil over this rather extraordinary chapter in her past (as I had imagined she might), she was only too willing to talk and the interview formed the basis of my first feature in Nature.

The Guardian

Plot for Peace is a serious, complex and rather extraordinary film, featuring grainy archived footage of the apartheid regime interspersed with original interviews, and a voiceover from Ollivier himself, who is presented with almost hesitant gravitas, as a shadowy figure playing cards alone in a darkened room.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a rather extraordinary" to express mild surprise or admiration, especially when you want to understate the significance of something impressive. This can add a touch of sophistication to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a rather extraordinary" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or impactful language may be required. Consider stronger synonyms like "exceptional" or "remarkable" for greater emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rather extraordinary" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase. It qualifies a noun by indicating that something is unusual or remarkable. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a rather extraordinary" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective phrase to describe something as notably unusual or impressive, though with a touch of understatement. Ludwig AI validates this. While versatile, it appears most commonly in news and media contexts. For more formal or academic settings, it is advisable to consider stronger synonyms such as "exceptional" or "remarkable". It is a versatile phrase that, as exemplified by Ludwig, provides a mild, yet sophisticated appreciation of unique or impressive characteristics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a truly exceptional

Emphasizes the rarity and outstanding quality.

a remarkably unique

Highlights the distinctiveness and individuality.

an exceptionally singular

Stresses the one-of-a-kind nature.

a notably special

Underscores the significance and importance.

a considerably unusual

Focuses on the deviation from the norm.

a strikingly uncommon

Draws attention to the infrequency of occurrence.

a particularly notable

Emphasizes the worthiness of attention.

a definitely remarkable

Reinforces the impressiveness and noteworthiness.

a really amazing

Conveys strong enthusiasm and wonder.

a very outstanding

Highlights the superiority and excellence.

FAQs

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

This phrase typically precedes a noun to describe something as notably unusual or impressive. For example, "The museum houses a rather extraordinary collection of artifacts."

What are some alternatives to "a rather extraordinary"?

You can use alternatives like "a truly exceptional", "a remarkably unique", or "an exceptionally singular" depending on the context.

Is "a rather extraordinary" too informal for academic writing?

While acceptable, it might be perceived as slightly understated. More formal alternatives such as "an exceptional" or "a remarkable" might be preferable in certain academic contexts.

What is the difference between "a rather extraordinary" and "a very extraordinary"?

"A rather extraordinary" implies a degree of understatement and sophistication, while "a very extraordinary" is a more direct and emphatic expression of amazement.