do rather well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do rather well" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something is performing satisfactorily or better than expected. Example: "Despite the challenges, the team managed to do rather well in the competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Which is something they do rather well.

The Guardian - Sport

As I recall, she went on to do rather well.

The Guardian - Books

Given the SPLM's poor record in office so far, he may do rather well.

The Economist

Not something Mr. Loach has tried before, and something he turns out to do rather well.

The New York Times

What's next - The Rhinoceros Tamer's Great-Granddaughter? Actually, I think that might do rather well.

The Guardian - Books

But meanwhile, we would do rather well to look at what Stalin termed the "useful idiots".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Mozilo did rather well himself.

The New Yorker

They're done rather well".

The New York Times

"Catholicism, by contrast, is doing rather well.

The New Yorker

Actually, he did rather well.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He's done rather well so far.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "do rather well" to subtly indicate success without being overly boastful. It's particularly effective in professional settings where understated confidence is valued.

Common error

Avoid using "do rather well" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. While acceptable, more precise or sophisticated vocabulary may be more appropriate to convey specific nuances of success or achievement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do rather well" functions as a compound verb phrase, indicating a satisfactory or better-than-expected level of performance or success. As seen in Ludwig, it's a common way to express positive outcomes in various situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "do rather well" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that someone or something is performing successfully, often exceeding expectations. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is considered acceptable in a variety of contexts, particularly in news, academic, and business settings. While it might not be suitable for highly formal writing, its neutral register makes it versatile and useful. Consider using synonyms like "perform admirably" or "succeed considerably" for nuanced variations. Remember to use "do rather well" to convey success subtly and avoid overuse in overly formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

succeed considerably

Emphasizes the achievement of success to a significant degree.

fare quite well

Indicates a positive experience or outcome, highlighting the subject's journey or progress.

excel noticeably

Focuses on surpassing expectations and standing out in a positive way.

perform admirably

Focuses on the quality and manner of performance, suggesting skill and competence.

advance successfully

Focuses on progression and achievement of goals, highlighting a positive forward movement.

prosper substantially

Highlights growth and flourishing, particularly in a financial or business context.

thrive markedly

Suggests vigorous growth and flourishing, indicating a clear and noticeable improvement.

flourish impressively

Highlights a vibrant and successful development, indicating strong and healthy growth.

triumph remarkably

Suggests a significant victory or achievement, highlighting an extraordinary outcome.

shine brightly

Emphasizes exceptional performance and a standout quality.

FAQs

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

You can use "do rather well" to describe someone or something that is performing successfully or exceeding expectations. For example, "Despite the challenges, the company "did rather well" this quarter".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "do rather well"?

Alternatives to "do rather well" include phrases like "perform admirably", "fare quite well", or "succeed considerably", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is it better to say "do quite well" or "do rather well"?

Both "do quite well" and "do rather well" are acceptable, but "do rather well" often carries a slightly more sophisticated or understated tone. The choice depends on the context and the desired level of formality.

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

"Do well" is a general statement of success, while "do rather well" implies a degree of success that is notable or perhaps exceeds expectations. The addition of "rather" enhances the sense of accomplishment.