as rather

USAGE SUMMARY

"as rather" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that one thing is more accurate or desirable than another. For example: "I prefer coffee, as rather than tea."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This struck me as rather perverse.

The Economist

As, rather disgracefully, does Donald.

The Guardian - Sport

She regarded Brooks as rather pushy.

The Guardian

Notauli internally preserved as rather sharp ridges.

Nature

This strikes me as rather dangerous.

The Washington Post

This struck me as rather un-PC.

The Guardian

These table manners strike us as rather cheering statistics.

The Guardian

But I started out as rather less of a fan.

The New Yorker

Forrest himself is described as "rather a nineteenth-century boy".

The Guardian - Books

But now it strikes me as rather appropriate.

The Guardian - Books

Conventionally we think of spiders as rather niggardly predators.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as rather" to introduce a qualification or refinement to a statement, indicating a preference or more accurate description. For example, "He sees it as rather a challenge than a problem."

Common error

Avoid using "as rather" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or sophisticated language may be preferred. Consider alternatives like "somewhat" or "relatively" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as rather" functions as an adverbial modifier, typically used to qualify or soften a statement. It suggests a degree or manner that is somewhat different from what might be expected. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as rather" is a grammatically sound phrase frequently used to qualify statements and express subtle preferences. According to Ludwig AI, it's perfectly acceptable in written English, serving to introduce a nuanced perspective. While prevalent in news and media, it also finds use in scientific contexts, though less so in highly formal settings. When writing, remember that "as rather" provides a gentle way to refine descriptions, and alternatives like "somewhat" or "relatively" can offer similar shades of meaning. Keep in mind that the register and context significantly influence the appropriateness of its usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat

This alternative is more concise and neutral in tone.

relatively

This alternative implies a comparison to something else.

quite

This alternative suggests a slightly higher degree.

moderately

This alternative emphasizes a balanced or average degree.

comparatively

This alternative highlights the relative nature of the comparison.

to some extent

This alternative suggests a partial or limited degree.

in a way

This alternative introduces a qualification or perspective.

on the whole

This alternative presents a general assessment or summary.

in general

This alternative emphasizes a broad or typical pattern.

more or less

This alternative implies an approximate or inexact degree.

FAQs

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

Use "as rather" to express a preference or to soften a statement. For example, "I view it "as rather" complex than simple."

What are some alternatives to using "as rather"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "somewhat", "relatively", or "quite" instead of "as rather". Consider: "It's "relatively" simple" or "It's "somewhat" complex".

Is it always appropriate to use "as rather" in writing?

While grammatically correct, "as rather" might not be suitable for highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise language in those contexts. Consider alternatives like "moderately" or "comparatively".

What's the difference between "as rather" and "as quite"?

"As rather" indicates a moderate degree, while "as quite" suggests a higher degree. For example, "He's "as rather" good" implies he's moderately skilled, whereas "He's "as quite" good" suggests he's highly skilled.