i rather like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I rather like" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a mild preference or enjoyment of something. Example: "I rather like the new design of the website; it feels fresh and modern."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But I rather like that".

Independent

(Guilty confession: I rather like the music too).

The New York Times - Arts

Normally, I rather like to see men blubbing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Someone I spoke to at Paramount has these figures that I rather like, that I find rather liberating.

The New Yorker

I rather like Boris.

Independent

"I rather like it melting in".

The New York Times

I rather like this effortful image-making.

Independent

I rather like this idea.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Generally, I rather like our British reserve.

The Guardian - Opinion

I rather like Tony Curtis's attitude.

The Guardian

"I rather like your shoes," she parries.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "i rather like" to express a polite and somewhat understated preference. It's suitable for situations where you want to avoid sounding overly enthusiastic or forceful.

Common error

While "i rather like" is grammatically correct, be mindful of its slightly formal tone. Overusing it in casual conversations can sound stilted. In more informal settings, consider using phrases like "i quite like" or "i really like" for a more natural feel.

Linguistic Context

I rather like" functions as a statement of preference or mild enjoyment. It expresses a positive sentiment without strong emotion. Ludwig AI examples show its application in various contexts, ranging from personal opinions to aesthetic appreciation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "i rather like" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to convey a mild preference or enjoyment. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is categorized as correct. While not as common as simply "i like", it offers a more formal and understated tone. It is most frequently found in News & Media contexts. When writing, consider using it in situations where you want to express a polite preference without sounding overly enthusiastic. Be mindful of overuse in informal contexts where other options might be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i quite like

Similar in meaning and intensity; "quite" is often interchangeable with "rather".

i somewhat enjoy

Indicates a moderate degree of pleasure or appreciation.

i find it appealing

Expresses a positive reaction and attraction towards something.

i am partial to

Shows a fondness or inclination towards something.

i appreciate

Conveys a sense of gratitude and recognition of value.

i am fond of

Indicates affection or liking for something.

i have a liking for

Expresses a preference or mild affection.

i am inclined to like

Suggests a leaning towards a positive view or enjoyment.

i am drawn to

Indicates an attraction or allure towards something.

i favor

Suggests a preference or choice for one thing over another.

FAQs

How to use "i rather like" in a sentence?

You can use "i rather like" to express a mild preference or enjoyment. For example, "I rather like this new restaurant; the ambiance is pleasant."

What can I say instead of "i rather like"?

You can use alternatives like "i quite like", "i somewhat enjoy", or "i am partial to depending on the context".

Is "i rather like" more formal than "i like"?

Yes, "i rather like" is generally considered more formal than simply saying "i like". The word "rather" adds a touch of politeness and understatement.

What's the difference between "i rather like" and "i really like"?

"I rather like" expresses a mild preference, while "i really like" conveys a stronger sense of enjoyment or enthusiasm.