is rather small

USAGE SUMMARY

This phrase is perfectly correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a physical object or quantity that is smaller than usual or expected. For example, "This bottle of shampoo is rather small compared to the others."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The generalized brain is rather small.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The little girl upstairs is rather small.

The New York Times

However, this effect is rather small.

International Journal of Educational Research

Compared to the risks, it is rather small".

The New York Times

Corresponding final equilibrium isotopic concentration in product gas is rather small.

Separation and Purification Technology

The other channel is rather small and resembles the proposed glycerol exit hole in human MGL.

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids

He is rather small, with tiny hands that play nervously at his lapels.

The New Yorker

The city's population is rather small for a place of its size.

The New Yorker

Physically the space is rather small, at 5,000 square feet.

The New York Times - Arts

That is, the mistake made by the algorithm is rather small in these cases.

Nature

The effect of heat loss to neighboring formations is rather small.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add impact, follow "is rather small" with a comparison, such as "is rather small compared to...", to give the reader a clearer sense of scale or proportion.

Common error

Avoid using "is rather small" when you actually mean "is extremely small". The word "rather" implies a degree of unexpectedness or mild surprise, not the highest degree of smallness. If something is exceptionally tiny, consider using "is exceptionally small" or "is incredibly small" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is rather small" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by specifying its size, indicating that it is smaller than expected. Ludwig examples confirm its use in describing various entities, from physical objects to abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is rather small" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe something smaller than expected, as validated by Ludwig. It functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, conveying mild surprise or reservation. While suitable for various contexts, it's best used when a more precise or emphatic description isn't needed. The phrase is most frequently found in Science and News & Media, making it a versatile choice for writers across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is quite small

Emphasizes the small size to a noticeable degree, similar in intensity but with a slightly different tone.

is somewhat small

Indicates a small size with a degree of tentativeness or mild understatement.

is fairly small

Suggests the small size is noticeable but not extremely so; a more neutral alternative.

is pretty small

An informal way to indicate something is small; suitable for casual contexts.

is noticeably small

Highlights that the small size is something that stands out or is easily observed.

is comparatively small

Compares the size to something else, emphasizing it's smaller in relation to that comparison.

is relatively small

Similar to comparatively small, but can also imply smaller relative to an expectation or standard.

is marginally small

Indicates the size is just barely small, close to the borderline.

is slightly small

Expresses a minor degree of smallness, often used for delicate or precise contexts.

is миниатюрный

Indicates that the size is extremely small, often attractively so; introduces a more delicate nuance.

FAQs

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

You can use "is rather small" to describe something that's smaller than expected. For example, "The portion size "is rather small" for the price" or "His office "is rather small", but cozy".

What are some alternatives to "is rather small"?

Alternatives include "is quite small", "is fairly small", or "is somewhat small", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "is rather small" formal or informal?

"Is rather small" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "is relatively small" might be preferred in highly formal writing.

What does "rather" emphasize in the phrase "is rather small"?

The word "rather" in "is rather small" emphasizes a degree of unexpectedness or mild surprise. It suggests that the small size is noteworthy but not necessarily extreme.