is rather thin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is rather thin" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that lacks substance, depth, or thickness, often in a figurative sense. Example: "The argument presented in the essay is rather thin, lacking sufficient evidence to support its claims."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Although the text is rather thin ("I am free... and you are free"), the watercolors are highly attractive.

The New York Times - Books

The implication that Mr Perry is a little bit racist could be extremely damaging to his candidacy, and the evidence marshalled in the article is rather thin.

The Economist

No political differences divide them, only a series of petty feuds that should have long ago been buried in pursuit of power.Unsurprisingly, the government's record is rather thin.

The Economist

Take what's left and subtract costs — Disney spent an estimated $400 million on production and global marketing — and the profit is rather thin.

The New York Times

Its homegrown pipeline of new drugs is rather thin, and competition to fill these gaps with drugs from biotech firms is fierce.

The Economist

The root of the iris (which is rather thin) is then pushed forward because of increased posterior pressure, which closes the angle and prevents outflow of aqueous humour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

The website is��rather thinner on detail about what will actually be done with all the sensitive personally identifiable health data that will be obtained from study participants.

TechCrunch

Structurally, however, "coalesce" was rather thin, and lacking in kinetic urgency.

The New York Times - Arts

Morgan's article was rather thin on actual data, but his theory was consistent with a number of observations.

The New Yorker

Plugs in Big name celebrity presenters were rather thin on the ground at an awards do that in previous years has boasted the likes of Sir Elton John.

The Guardian

Had this game been in Miami rather than Daegu, that ice might have been rather thin, but as the ground erupted Ahn may as well have been walking on water.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is rather thin" to critique an argument or idea, follow it with specific examples of where the substance is lacking. This will make your critique more convincing and actionable.

Common error

While "is rather thin" is acceptable, avoid overusing it, especially in formal writing. Vary your vocabulary with more precise synonyms like "insubstantial", "tenuous", or "superficial" to enhance clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is rather thin" functions as a descriptive expression. It typically modifies a noun or concept, indicating a deficiency in substance, depth, or strength. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is rather thin" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something lacks substance, depth, or strength. While suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and general writing, more formal settings may benefit from stronger synonyms. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate for English writing. Remember to provide specific examples when using this phrase to make your critique more effective. It is common to see this phrase in the New York Times, The Economist, TechCrunch, The Guardian, and Wikipedia.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is quite flimsy

Indicates a lack of solidity or strength, suggesting something easily broken or unconvincing.

is somewhat unsubstantial

Emphasizes a lack of material or factual basis, implying weakness.

is fairly weak

Highlights a lack of force or effectiveness.

is a bit shallow

Suggests a lack of depth or complexity.

lacks substance

Focuses on the absence of meaningful content or importance.

is not very convincing

Highlights the failure to persuade or inspire belief.

is wanting in detail

Points out a lack of specific information or elaboration.

is superficially presented

Indicates a lack of thoroughness or depth in presentation.

is hardly adequate

Suggests that something barely meets the required standard or expectation.

is relatively meager

Emphasizes a small or insufficient amount.

FAQs

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

You can use "is rather thin" to describe something lacking substance, depth, or persuasiveness. For instance: "The evidence for his claim is rather thin" or "The plot of the movie is rather thin, but the acting is excellent".

What are some alternatives to "is rather thin"?

Some alternatives include "is quite flimsy", "is somewhat unsubstantial", "lacks substance", or "is not very convincing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is rather thin" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "is rather thin" in both formal and informal writing when you want to express that something lacks sufficient depth, detail, or support. However, in more formal contexts, consider using more sophisticated synonyms.

Is "is rather thin" a formal or informal expression?

"Is rather thin" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, you might opt for alternatives that sound more precise and academic, such as "is tenuous" or "lacks sufficient empirical support".