it is rather

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is rather" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English and can be used in many different contexts.
The phrase generally connotes an opinion or position that is somewhat different or lesser than might be expected. For example, you could say "It is rather disappointing that the concert was cancelled" or "It is rather surprising that she got the job".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It is rather disappointing".

The New York Times - Tech

It is rather complicated.

The New York Times - Sports

It is rather special.

The Guardian - Tech

It is rather liberating.

The New Yorker

It is rather beautiful.

The Guardian

But it is rather harder to market.

The Economist

It is, rather, something to savor.

The New Yorker

It is rather for simple aesthetic consistency.

The Economist

But it is rather a touchy subject.

The Economist

"Perhaps it is rather fishing for Commendation.

The New York Times

It is rather expected from new airplanes".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is rather" to express a polite disagreement or understatement. It's useful when you want to soften a critique or express mild surprise.

Common error

Avoid using "it is rather" excessively in formal academic papers or professional reports. While grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound hesitant or lacking in confidence. Opt for more direct and assertive phrasing in these contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is rather" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies an adjective or adverb. It serves to moderate or qualify the characteristic being described. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates a degree that is somewhat different or lesser than might be expected.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is rather" functions as a versatile phrase for expressing moderate agreement, polite disagreement, or measured observation. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase connotes a position that's somewhat different than might be expected. While grammatically sound and frequently used in news media, as supported by Ludwig's examples, it's important to consider the context and avoid overuse in highly formal settings where directness is valued. Alternatives like "it is quite", "it is somewhat", and "it is fairly" can provide similar nuances with slight variations in formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is quite

The degree is different; "quite" suggests a higher degree than "rather".

it is fairly

"Fairly" suggests a moderate degree, similar to "rather" but slightly less formal.

it is somewhat

"Somewhat" implies a slightly lesser degree than "rather".

it is reasonably

"Reasonably" implies a sensible or justifiable degree.

it is relatively

Highlights a comparison to something else, implying a proportional degree.

it is a bit

More informal and suggests a smaller degree.

it is moderately

Implies a medium degree, more formal than "rather".

it is pretty

Less formal, suggesting a mild degree of the adjective.

it is slightly

Indicates a minimal degree or extent.

it is kind of

Very informal, suggesting a vague or indefinite degree.

FAQs

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

Use "it is rather" to express a mild degree of something or a polite disagreement. For example, "It is rather disappointing that the event was cancelled" or "it is rather unusual for him to be late".

What are some alternatives to "it is rather"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "it is quite", "it is somewhat", or "it is fairly". These alternatives vary slightly in formality and the degree of emphasis.

Is "it is rather" formal or informal?

"It is rather" is generally considered neutral in tone. While not overly formal, it is suitable for most writing contexts, including news articles and general prose. In very formal academic or business writing, more direct phrasing might be preferred.

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

"It is very" expresses a higher degree than "it is rather". "It is very good" emphasizes the quality more strongly than "it is rather good", which suggests a more moderate assessment.