is rather

USAGE SUMMARY

"is rather" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a comparison between two characteristics, or to indicate that something is unexpectedly true or present in a certain situation. For example: "This particular type of flower is rather hardy and easy to grow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is rather disappointing".

The New York Times - Tech

The reality is rather darker.

Independent

This is rather a shame.

The Economist

That part is rather painless.

The New York Times - Tech

Which is rather a shame.

The Economist

The reality is rather different.

The Economist

CONS: Maintenance is rather high.

The New York Times

Their answer is rather specific.

The New York Times - Magazine

His story is rather sweet.

The New York Times - Books

All this is rather discomfiting.

Independent

Indeed, he is rather glamorous.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is rather" to add a nuanced qualification or mild emphasis, avoiding overly strong or absolute statements. For instance, "The movie is rather long, but worth watching" provides a balanced assessment.

Common error

Avoid using "is rather" excessively in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound stilted or overly formal. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "is pretty" or "is quite" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is rather" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying an adjective or another adverb to express a moderate degree. It qualifies the intensity of the attribute being described. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

26%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is rather" serves as an effective tool for expressing moderate degrees or qualifications. Analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse domains, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to slightly formal contexts. According to Ludwig, understanding its subtle nuances allows for more precise and balanced communication. Be mindful of overuse in informal settings, and consider alternatives like "is quite" or "is somewhat" for a more relaxed tone. Considering different alternatives might be useful in some contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is somewhat

Expresses a similar degree of qualification, but might imply a slightly weaker intensity than "is rather".

is quite

Indicates a similar level of qualification, often interchangeable with "is rather" in many contexts.

is fairly

Suggests a level of qualification close to "is rather", but can sometimes imply a slightly lower degree.

is reasonably

Implies a moderate degree, similar to "is rather", often used to convey satisfaction or adequacy.

is comparatively

Introduces a comparison, similar to "is rather" when followed by an adjective indicating a degree.

is moderately

Conveys a similar sense of qualification, often used in more formal or technical contexts.

is relatively

Indicates a degree that is being assessed in relation to something else, close in meaning to "is rather".

is somewhat of

Similar to "is rather", but often used before a noun phrase rather than an adjective.

is a bit

Implies a slight degree, similar to "is rather", more colloquial.

is kind of

Similar to "is rather", implying a moderate degree, but more informal in tone.

FAQs

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

"Is rather" is used to express a moderate degree or qualification. For example, "The task "is rather complex"" or "She "is rather talented" at playing the piano".

What alternatives can I use instead of "is rather"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "is somewhat", "is quite", or "is fairly" to express a similar degree of qualification.

Is there a difference between "is rather" and "is very"?

"Is rather" indicates a moderate degree, while "is very" suggests a higher intensity. For instance, "The book "is rather interesting"" implies mild interest, whereas "The book "is very interesting"" conveys strong interest.

When should I use "is rather" instead of "is quite"?

Both "is rather" and "is quite" express a degree of qualification, but "is rather" can sometimes sound more formal or reserved. "Is quite" is generally more versatile and can fit into both formal and informal contexts, whereas "is rather" is more appropriate in formal settings.