is rather unconventional

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is rather unconventional" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that deviates from the norm or traditional practices in a particular context. Example: "Her approach to problem-solving is rather unconventional, often leading to innovative solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I think Charles Mackerras thinks I am the devil," says Jones. "And he is rather unconventional in the music world in that he calls a spade a spade.

The Guardian - Books

Limitations of the system used here notwithstanding, the findings seem to tie together four themes, namely synchrony, neuromodulation, homeostasis and sleep, in a manner that is rather unconventional yet potentially important.

BMC Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

His approach, as you may deduce from the images here, was rather unconventional.

Independent

My parents were rather unconventional and did not accept rules unless they thought they were defendable.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Her features are rather unconventional, but she knows how to highlight them to her best advantage," Philips says.

The New York Times

A couple of years ago Cameron tried to win over detractors who scoffed at his family's perceived privilege by revealing that his wife Samantha was rather "unconventional.

The Guardian

For instance, his ideas on settling the optimal orders of differencing to achieve stationarity are rather unconventional but tremendously powerful and always ends up providing the most reasonable solution.

SERIEs

However, recovered interclass relationships, although highly supported, were rather unconventional, with Bivalvia and Gastropoda being sister group to Polyplacophora, and this clade being sister group to Cephalopoda and Chaetodermomorpha [ 22].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Well, it's been rather an unconventional career path, hasn't it?

Independent

I would argue that her interpretation of how international relations function actually lacks realism, has been short-sighted, is based on a conventional view of how nations operate (in what has so far been a rather unconventional century), and is devoid of much insight or a futuristic orientation.

Huffington Post

This is a rather unconventional method; you could consider using information from other wikiHow articles to add to your article.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is rather unconventional" when you want to gently suggest that something differs from established norms, without necessarily implying criticism. It acknowledges the deviation while maintaining a neutral tone.

Common error

Avoid using "is rather unconventional" too frequently, as the word "rather" can dilute the impact of your statement. Consider stronger alternatives if you want to emphasize the degree of unconventionality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is rather unconventional" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It qualifies a noun or subject, indicating that it deviates from what is considered standard or typical. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, serving to characterize something as not conforming to conventional norms.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

32%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is rather unconventional" is a descriptive adjective phrase used to indicate a moderate deviation from established norms. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. It serves to gently highlight the unusual nature of something without necessarily implying a negative judgment. It is suitable for both formal and informal settings, with a neutral register, and commonly appears in News & Media and Scientific sources. When using this phrase, be mindful of overusing "rather" and consider stronger alternatives if a greater emphasis is needed. Ultimately, "is rather unconventional" offers a nuanced way to acknowledge and describe departures from the ordinary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is somewhat unorthodox

Emphasizes a slight deviation from established norms or methods.

is quite atypical

Highlights that something is not typical or representative of its kind.

is fairly unusual

Indicates a notable deviation from what is commonly seen or experienced.

is a bit out of the ordinary

Suggests something is not part of the normal routine or expectation.

is moderately eccentric

Implies a mild degree of peculiarity or oddness in behavior or style.

is slightly offbeat

Conveys a subtle sense of being different or non-conforming.

is rather outré

Implies that something is highly unconventional and extravagant.

is somewhat peculiar

Highlights that something is strange or odd.

is fairly novel

Emphasizes that something is original or new.

is a little alternative

Suggests a departure from mainstream or conventional options.

FAQs

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

You can use "is rather unconventional" to describe something that deviates from the norm. For example, "Her approach to the problem "is rather unconventional", but it works."

What are some alternatives to "is rather unconventional"?

Alternatives include "is somewhat unorthodox", "is quite atypical", or "is fairly unusual". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "is rather unconventional" in formal writing?

Yes, "is rather unconventional" can be used in formal writing, but consider the context. It's a relatively mild way of expressing that something deviates from the norm. If you need a stronger or more precise term, alternatives might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "is unconventional" and "is rather unconventional"?

Adding "rather" softens the statement. "Is unconventional" is a direct assertion, while ""is rather unconventional"" indicates a more moderate level of deviation from the norm. The presence of "rather" makes the statement less absolute.