is rather special

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is rather special" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is unique or has a significant quality that sets it apart from others. Example: "This painting is rather special because it was created by a renowned artist during a pivotal moment in their career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

It is rather special.

The Guardian - Tech

It really is rather special.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But in other ways he is rather special.

The New York Times - Books

"The role of governor is rather special," Sir Rex told The Independent of London in 1992.

The New York Times

Though Ring cycles have proliferated throughout this Wagner bicentenary year, Opera Australia's is rather special.

The Guardian - Music

They want to know about what you are doing and they understand that living in a thatched property is rather special".

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

A meeting with the Hairy Cornflake himself would be rather special.

Independent

He potters around the house and says hello to them all, and that's rather special.

The Guardian

But the way the Black Caps got there was rather special.

The Guardian - Sport

"I think they want to say 'we're rather special, you're just a bunch of oiks'- I mean that's slightly exaggerating".

The Guardian

Dame Wendy said she had tried to make only films that were "rather special and have stature," and to play only roles that were "undull".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Using "is rather special" is best when you want to convey a sense of genuine appreciation or admiration without sounding overly effusive. Consider the reader's perspective and tone. In some cases, another adjective such as awesome may be more meaningful.

Common error

Avoid overusing "rather" in your writing. While "is rather special" is grammatically correct, excessive use of "rather" can make your writing sound hesitant or lacking in confidence. Ensure that "rather" genuinely adds value to the sentence, rather than acting as a filler word. Instead, you can select a different adjective based on context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is rather special" functions as a subject complement, providing a description of the subject. It asserts that the subject possesses unique or noteworthy attributes. As supported by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is rather special" is a versatile phrase used to convey that something is unique or noteworthy, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and commonly found in diverse contexts, particularly within news, media, and lifestyle content. While the phrase maintains a neutral tone, it might be less suitable for highly formal academic writing, where stronger, more precise alternatives like "is quite exceptional" or "is notably significant" might be preferred. When considering phrase selection, avoid overusing "rather" as a filler.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is quite exceptional

Replaces "rather special" with a stronger emphasis on the exceptional nature.

is remarkably unique

Emphasizes the uniqueness and distinctiveness of something.

is particularly distinctive

Highlights the quality of standing out from others in a noticeable way.

is notably significant

Focuses on the importance and consequence of something.

is unusually remarkable

Stresses the unexpected nature of something's impressiveness.

is indeed one-of-a-kind

Affirms the singularity and unparalleled nature of something.

is truly singular

Underscores the unique nature using a more formal and emphatic tone.

is uniquely memorable

Focuses on the quality of being easily remembered due to its uniqueness.

is quite something

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey a sense of impressiveness.

is considerably notable

Highlights the noteworthiness of the subject, but with a slightly different tone.

FAQs

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

You can use "is rather special" to describe something that has unique or noteworthy qualities. For example: "This handmade gift is rather special because it was made with such care and attention."

What can I say instead of "is rather special"?

You can use alternatives like "is quite exceptional", "is remarkably unique", or "is particularly distinctive" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is rather special", or should I use another phrase?

"Is rather special" is grammatically correct and widely used. Its appropriateness depends on the desired level of formality. You may consider "is notably significant" in a formal context.

What's the difference between "is rather special" and "is very special"?

"Is rather special" implies a slightly more understated or subtle uniqueness compared to "is very special", which conveys a stronger emphasis. The choice depends on the level of emphasis you want to convey.