even rather better

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "even rather better" is not standard in written English and may sound awkward to native speakers.
It could be used in informal contexts where someone is trying to emphasize an improvement, but it is generally better to avoid it for clarity. Example: "This new model is even rather better than the previous one in terms of performance."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

On the whole it is felt the Prime Minister did as well as expected or even rather better on his visit to Washington.

The New Yorker

The New Yorker, February 24 , 1968P. 78 On the whole it is felt the Prime Minister did as well as expected or even rather better on his visit to Washington.

The New Yorker

By Mollie Panter-Downes The New Yorker, February 24 , 1968P. 78 On the whole it is felt the Prime Minister did as well as expected or even rather better on his visit to Washington.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Even if gin is rather better regarded now, and beer a little worse, it is a scene that has lost none of its punch the sign of truly gifted artist.

The Economist

That represents the fruits of a rather better season, even if points-wise there is just those seven between them.

The Guardian - Sport

Even in America, which is doing rather better, Bank of America Merrill Lynch is expecting corporate profits for S&P 500 companies to grow by just 6.4% in 2012, down from 14.8% last year.It all looks remarkably like 2011, when an early-year rally also ran out of steam.

The Economist

And are ties with Britain rather better?

The Economist

In paint, Siena has done rather better.

The Economist

Three no-trump did even better, rather luckily.

The New York Times - Arts

I'd say he is made not so much of the right stuff but rather "even better stuff," he adds.

The Guardian

Greg Norman went even better — or rather, worse — when he lost a six-shot lead and a Green jacket to Nick Faldo at Augusta in 1996.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "even better" or "significantly improved" for clearer and more direct communication. While "even rather better" is understandable, it's not the most conventional phrasing and might sound awkward to some readers.

Common error

Avoid using "even rather better" when a simpler, more direct expression of improvement will suffice. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even rather better" functions as an adverbial modifier, intensifying the adjective "better". While understandable, Ludwig AI indicates it's not the most common or stylistically elegant choice. It aims to emphasize a degree of improvement.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "even rather better" is grammatically acceptable but stylistically unconventional. Ludwig AI suggests that while it's understandable, it's not the most common or elegant choice for expressing improvement. It functions as an adverbial modifier, intensifying "better", and aims to convey a nuanced assessment. Its register is generally neutral, tending towards informal, and it's primarily found in news media. For clearer and more direct communication, consider using alternatives like "even better" or "significantly improved". While not incorrect, Ludwig's analysis indicates simpler options are generally preferred in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

noticeably improved

Focuses on the noticeable aspect of the improvement, without necessarily quantifying it.

somewhat superior

Implies a slight degree of superiority; less emphatic than the original phrase.

marginally better

Suggests a slight improvement, emphasizing the small degree of difference.

slightly superior

Indicates a small degree of advantage or preference.

a bit better

A more casual and less formal way to indicate a slight improvement.

distinctly superior

Emphasizes a clear and easily recognized difference in quality or performance.

decidedly better

Implies a clear and definite improvement, leaving no room for doubt.

considerably improved

This phrase suggests a more substantial level of improvement than the original.

remarkably enhanced

Focuses on the notable enhancement, implying a significant positive change.

appreciably advanced

Suggests a noticeable step forward, often in terms of progress or development.

FAQs

Is "even rather better" grammatically correct?

While not incorrect, the phrasing "even rather better" is unusual. Simpler alternatives like "even better" or "slightly better" are generally preferred.

When is it appropriate to use "even rather better"?

The phrase "even rather better" might be suitable in informal contexts when you want to emphasize a subtle improvement, but it's best to avoid it in formal writing where clarity is paramount.

What are some alternatives to "even rather better"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "noticeably improved", "marginally better", or "a bit better" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "even rather better" commonly used in English?

No, the phrase "even rather better" is not commonly used. More conventional phrases like "even better" or "slightly better" are more frequently encountered.