is rather off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is rather off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is incorrect, inappropriate, or not quite right in a particular context. Example: "The tone of his email is rather off, considering the seriousness of the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The charge that Gibbons has no obvious mobile industry experience is rather off mark for her new role.

TechCrunch

A. In fact, my whole sense of the geography of my native Berks County is rather off.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The most powerful representation of bodies in the show proper isn't something you see, it's something you smell — living bacteria — and the odor is rather off-putting.

The New Yorker

The most powerful representation of bodies in the show proper isn't something you see, it's something you smell living bacteria and the odor is rather off-putting.

The New Yorker

It could be a hardware issue, but scenery tends to pop up very late as you're driving along which is rather off-putting for a supposedly next-generation console.

The Guardian - Tech

Dear Kele, I am living in a shared house at university with very thin walls, so all my housemates know exactly when it's sexy-time for me and the boyfriend, which is rather off-putting for all concerned.

The Guardian - Music

There's also a slightly sour undertone which is rather off-putting at first.

Huffington Post

She's trying to appeal to "redeemable" Trump supporters, but even using such language is rather off-putting.

Huffington Post

There's been a lot of recent writing on the ratio of Republican to Democratic TV commentators (it's rather off).

Huffington Post

The key to a great pitch is balance--without balance, your throw will more than likely be rather off kilter.

WikiHow

One Labour strategist said: "Cameron will be sharp and slick and therefore may appear to come off best but may be rather off-putting.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is rather off" to subtly indicate that something is not entirely correct or appropriate, without being overly critical or direct. It's useful in situations where a gentle correction or observation is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "is rather off" excessively in formal writing. While grammatically correct, the phrase can sometimes sound too informal or vague. Opt for more precise language to clearly express the issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is rather off" primarily functions as a qualifier, softening a statement about something being incorrect or inappropriate. Ludwig AI's examples show its usage across various contexts to express mild disagreement or point out minor deviations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is rather off" serves as a versatile tool for expressing subtle disagreement or mild criticism. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts including news, wikis and science. It's register is generally neutral, fitting into many writing styles, though excessive use in extremely formal contexts may warrant more precise language. When aiming to express something that isn't quite right without being overly critical, "is rather off" provides a balanced approach. Alternatives like "is somewhat amiss" or "is slightly incorrect" offer similar nuances, each with its own subtle distinction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is somewhat amiss

Emphasizes a slight deviation or irregularity.

is slightly incorrect

Focuses on the factual inaccuracy of something.

is a bit out of place

Highlights the inappropriateness or lack of suitability in a given context.

is somewhat inappropriate

Directly addresses the lack of suitability or properness.

is a little off-kilter

Suggests a lack of balance or stability, either literally or figuratively.

is not quite right

A general expression indicating something is wrong without specifying the issue.

is a tad askew

Implies something is slightly crooked or misaligned.

is rather unsettling

Focuses on the disturbing or discomforting nature of something.

is somewhat unseemly

Addresses the impropriety or indecency of something.

is a bit out of sync

Indicates a lack of coordination or harmony.

FAQs

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

You can use "is rather off" to suggest that something is not quite right or is slightly incorrect. For example, "The color of the wall "is rather off" from the sample I chose."

What's a more formal alternative to "is rather off"?

In a more formal context, you might use phrases like "is somewhat inappropriate", "is slightly incorrect", or "is not entirely accurate".

When is it appropriate to use "is rather off"?

"Is rather off" is suitable in situations where you want to gently point out a discrepancy or suggest that something is not as it should be, without being overly critical. It works well in both casual and professional settings, though formality should still be considered.

Is there a difference between "is rather off" and "is completely wrong"?

Yes, "is rather off" implies a minor deviation or imperfection, while "is completely wrong" indicates a significant error. The former is a softer, more nuanced way of expressing that something isn't quite right, while the latter is a direct statement of incorrectness.