is rather unusual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is rather unusual" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is uncommon or not typical in a particular context. Example: "The weather in October is rather unusual this year, with temperatures reaching record highs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. H. complied, murmuring, "This is rather unusual".

The New Yorker

Such gritty volunteer work is rather unusual for executives.

The New York Times

So the new interest group it launched in May is rather unusual.

The Economist

Also, he noted: "The built-in lumbar pillow is rather unusual.

The New York Times

The combination of prawns, bitter radicchio, cream and cheese is rather unusual, but utterly delicious.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The general diagram of the excited-state process is rather unusual: it shows a dual path of photolysis.

Polymer

And the solution they have found is rather unusual: deceiving males moths into being attracted to other males.

Independent

Similarity between the two countries' unemployment rates is rather unusual prior to the Great Recession, as the graph makes clear.

Independent

Although this conserved arrangement and inversion are not surprising for closely related strains8, one feature is rather unusual.

Nature

This is rather unusual for a writer, of whom I have interviewed lots, and it makes me like him.

The Guardian - Arts

This characteristic stratification with m-scale layers separated by sharp transitional zones is rather unusual in other pit lakes and in most natural lakes.

Journal of Hydrology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is rather unusual", ensure the context clearly establishes the norm from which the subject deviates. This provides a stronger sense of contrast and emphasizes the degree of unusualness.

Common error

Avoid using "is rather unusual" when describing something that is only mildly different. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact; instead, consider using milder terms like "slightly different" or "somewhat uncommon" for minor deviations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is rather unusual" functions as a descriptive expression, characterizing a subject as deviating from what is considered typical or expected. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is rather unusual" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe something that deviates from the norm. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is prevalent in diverse contexts, including News & Media and Scientific domains. While it conveys a sense of uncommonness, it's crucial to use it judiciously to avoid overstating minor deviations. Consider alternatives like "is quite uncommon" or "is fairly atypical" for nuanced expression. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication, emphasizing the importance of context in effective writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is quite uncommon

Replaces "rather unusual" with "quite uncommon", emphasizing the rarity of something.

is fairly atypical

Substitutes "rather unusual" with "fairly atypical", highlighting the deviation from the norm.

is somewhat exceptional

Replaces "rather unusual" with "somewhat exceptional", suggesting a positive deviation from the standard.

is notably different

Changes the phrasing to focus on the difference rather than the unusualness, which creates a subtle shift in emphasis.

is distinctly peculiar

Replaces "rather unusual" with "distinctly peculiar", giving more emphasis on the odd or strange nature of something.

is surprisingly rare

Highlights the unexpected infrequency of something.

is markedly singular

Emphasizes the uniqueness or distinctiveness using stronger vocabulary.

is strikingly divergent

Indicates a notable deviation or departure from a standard.

stands out as unique

Focuses on the characteristic of standing out, instead of just being 'unusual'.

deviates from the norm

Rephrases the sentence to concentrate on deviating from the standard rather than the characteristic itself.

FAQs

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

The phrase "is rather unusual" is used to describe something that deviates from the norm or is uncommon in a particular context. For example: "The weather this summer is rather unusual".

What are some alternatives to "is rather unusual"?

You can use alternatives like "is quite uncommon", "is fairly atypical", or "is somewhat exceptional" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "is rather unusual"?

Yes, the phrase "is rather unusual" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe something that is not typical or expected.

What is the difference between "is rather unusual" and "is very unusual"?

"Is rather unusual" implies a slightly milder degree of unusualness compared to "is very unusual". "Rather" suggests uncommon, whereas "very" emphasizes a higher degree of deviation from the norm.