The phrase 'is rather to be' is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to introduce a statement that is being compared to another, usually in a formal way. For example: 'This policy, it is rather to be said, is not ultimately beneficial for most people.'.
The aim is, rather, to be intriguing, suggestive, and spooky.
For then he cannot be said to suffer death; it is rather to be called an action.
The Bible says that a "good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold".
It would be wrong, however, to try to find in this scholarship the origin of modern experimental science, which is rather to be found in the study of ancient and more recent mechanics, medicine, and technology or in original inventiveness.
Soon after, there came heralds from Dionysius bringing Dion letters from the women of his family, and one addressed outside, "To his father, from Hipparinus;" this was the name of Dion's son, though Timaeus says, he was, from his mother Arete's name, called Aretaeus; but I think credit is rather to be given to Timonides's report, who was his father's fellow-soldier and confidant.
In more simple terms, the circle is rather to be seen as a sphere, where three planes collide (Fig. 1).
Beckett's art, too, is not to be understood, but rather, to be experienced.
One of the characteristics of democratic leaders is not to be "strongmen" but rather to be just and tolerant.
These words suggest that the practice of beating prisoners up is not to be avoided, rather to be carried out with due caution and out of sight.
Of course, this was not a time to be selling, but rather to be buying.
This method is said to be rather inefficient and proves to be too impractical to use in many potential applications.
