a rather unusual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rather unusual" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not typical or expected, often adding a degree of emphasis to the unusualness. Example: "The artist's latest work features a rather unusual combination of colors and textures that captivates the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a rather unusual sight.

Stanford University

Probably originally as a nut — a rather unusual nut tree.

Yale University

Here is a rather unusual summer reading list.

The Washington Post

And a rather unusual Banana Skin Curry Banana Skin Curry.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"John Mulheren is a rather unusual honoree," Mr. Greenberg said.

The New York Times

Instead, he takes a rather unusual attitude to the Qur'an.

The Guardian - Books

I got into drama accidentally, in a rather unusual way.

The Guardian

A rather unusual Forbush effect was observed starting from July 16 , 2005

Advances in Space Research

Dutch nativism has thereby developed a rather unusual style of argument.

The New Yorker

Until he leaves office, in 2014, Bloomberg is in a rather unusual position.

The New Yorker

The announcement marked a new step in a rather unusual political career.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a rather unusual" to introduce something unexpected or surprising, adding emphasis beyond simply calling it 'unusual'.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "a rather unusual" can sound informal in highly academic or professional settings. Consider alternatives like "an atypical" or "an uncommon" in these contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rather unusual" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase. It qualifies a noun, emphasizing its atypical nature. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically sound and widely employed. The examples in Ludwig showcases its use in diverse scenarios to highlight deviations from the ordinary.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

21%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a rather unusual" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed adjective phrase used to emphasize the atypical nature of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and versatile. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia and Scientific contexts, it serves to draw attention to unique or unexpected qualities. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be suitable for highly academic or professional settings. When aiming to highlight a deviation from the norm, "a rather unusual" is a reliable and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a rather unconventional

Emphasizes a departure from established norms or traditions.

a rather atypical

Highlights that something deviates from a typical example or representation.

a rather odd

Suggests strangeness or peculiarity.

a somewhat unusual

Indicates a slight degree of unusualness.

a rather strange

Implies something is peculiar or unfamiliar, possibly causing confusion.

a rather surprising

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of something.

a rather rare

Highlights the infrequency or scarcity of something.

a rather peculiar

Suggests something is odd or eccentric in nature.

a slightly unusual

Similar to 'somewhat unusual' but with a less intense degree.

a comparatively unusual

Indicates the phrase is more uncommon than other examples within same category.

FAQs

How to use "a rather unusual" in a sentence?

You can use "a rather unusual" to describe something that deviates from the norm or expectation. For example, "That's a rather unusual painting."

What can I say instead of "a rather unusual"?

You can use alternatives like "a rather odd", "a rather strange", or "a somewhat unusual" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a rather unusual" or "an unusual"?

"A rather unusual" and "an unusual" are both grammatically correct. "A rather unusual" adds more emphasis to the unusualness.

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

"A rather unusual" suggests something is somewhat out of the ordinary, while "a very unusual" implies a higher degree of deviation from the norm.