did rather well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "did rather well" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone performed satisfactorily or better than expected in a particular situation. Example: "Despite the challenges, she did rather well in her presentation, impressing both her peers and the judges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mozilo did rather well himself.

The New Yorker

Actually, he did rather well.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Which, in fact, he did rather well.

The Guardian

He did rather well the following November.

The New York Times

I did rather well in the Soviet empire, Soros adds.

The Guardian - Business

The court refused, forcing a sale, but Mr. Tinsley still did rather well for himself.

The New York Times

"I didn't expect much uptake," says designer Suzi Warren, "but they did rather well over Christmas.

The Times

Looking at the previous landmark social media deals, it would seem that CBS did rather well.

The Guardian

The Walt Disney Company, on the other hand, did rather well.

The New York Times

He had written a little short story, called Annie, California Plates, that did rather well.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

They're done rather well".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "did rather well" to subtly convey that someone exceeded expectations without sounding overly enthusiastic. It's perfect for understated praise.

Common error

While "did rather well" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "did rather well" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating the extent to which an action was performed successfully. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "did rather well" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate satisfactory or better-than-expected performance. Ludwig AI analysis and example sentences reveal its suitability across various contexts, although it's essential to consider the formality of the setting. While grammatically sound and frequently used in news, business, and general conversation, more formal situations may benefit from alternatives like "performed admirably". With a neutral register and a widespread presence in authoritative sources, "did rather well" remains a valuable addition to one's linguistic toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fared well

A slightly more formal way of saying "did well".

performed admirably

Emphasizes the impressive nature of the performance.

excelled

Highlights exceptional performance and skill.

did a good job

A more straightforward and common expression.

achieved success

Focuses on the successful outcome of the effort.

succeeded

A general term for achieving a desired outcome.

prospered

Suggests thriving or flourishing in a given situation.

thrived

Similar to prospered, implying growth and success.

flourished

Suggests a strong and healthy development.

came out on top

Indicates winning or achieving the best result.

FAQs

How can I use "did rather well" in a sentence?

You can use "did rather well" to indicate that someone performed satisfactorily or better than expected. For example, "Despite the challenges, she did rather well in her presentation."

What's a more formal alternative to "did rather well"?

For a more formal alternative, consider using "fared well" or "performed admirably". These options add a touch of sophistication to your writing.

Is it okay to use "did rather well" in business communication?

Yes, "did rather well" is acceptable in many business contexts, especially when providing feedback or acknowledging achievements. However, ensure it aligns with the overall tone of your communication.

What's the difference between "did well" and "did rather well"?

"Did well" is a general expression of success. "Did rather well" implies a degree of surprise or that the success was slightly better than anticipated. It's a more nuanced form of praise.