rather bold

USAGE SUMMARY

"rather bold" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is striking, brave, or confident. For example, "Her plan to start her own business was rather bold, but it was ultimately successful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

"Putting the pieces together under one inclusive and rather bold label can stimulate discussion and innovation".

The New York Times - Tech

"It's rather bold, but I don't think it moves product," he said.

The New York Times

They're rather bold, early concept albums, and they're for everyone, from jazz to pop to classical music enthusiasts.

The New York Times

"Australia has taken a rather bold step working towards eliminating new HIV infections by 2020," she said.

The Guardian

He has given him expensive cars and they have even been to the opera together a couple of times, which is rather bold.

Independent

Rather than shyly demur as she picks from approved answers Nos. 1, 2 or 3, Ms. Ayotte has been rather bold.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Halting the world economy's decline will demand something rather bolder than anything seen so far in this crisis.In this section Terror in India The perils of incrementalism Farewell, New Labour So far, so very good Well, is it victory or humiliation?

The Economist

Wyoming used to be rather a bold place.

The Economist

Few men so symbolised an era of cautious negotiation, rather than bold intervention.

The Economist

And in fairness, the new iPhones are updates rather than bold new steps (albeit pricey updates).

The Guardian - Opinion

"We are staying up," they chorused before, in the next breath, they were rather more bold.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an action or idea, use "rather bold" to subtly convey admiration or surprise at its audacious nature. This works well when the context implies a level of risk or unconventionality.

Common error

Avoid using "rather bold" excessively in very formal writing where a more precise or nuanced adjective might be more appropriate. Consider synonyms like "courageous" or "innovative" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather bold" functions as an adjectival modifier, adding a layer of intensity to the adjective "bold". As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and commonly used phrase, usually highlighting the degree of daring, unconventionality or courage associated with a particular noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rather bold" is a common and grammatically correct adjectival modifier used to emphasize the degree of boldness associated with a subject. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a commonly used phrase, which usually highlights the degree of daring, unconventionality or courage. As demonstrated by the examples, it appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts. While "rather bold" is generally acceptable, it's important to consider the context. In highly formal settings, consider more precise synonyms like "courageous" or "innovative" to maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite daring

Emphasizes the element of risk and courage involved.

somewhat audacious

Highlights the unconventional or impudent nature of the action.

fairly courageous

Focuses on the bravery required to take such action.

pretty adventurous

Stresses the willingness to try new and potentially risky things.

distinctly innovative

Highlights the novelty and originality of the idea.

remarkably forward-thinking

Emphasizes the visionary aspect of the action or idea.

decidedly unconventional

Focuses on the departure from established norms.

unusually assertive

Stresses the strong and confident nature of the approach.

noticeably ambitious

Highlights the high goals and aspirations involved.

particularly spirited

Emphasizes the enthusiastic and energetic nature.

FAQs

How can I use "rather bold" in a sentence?

You can use "rather bold" to describe actions or ideas that are daring or unconventional. For example, "His decision to quit his job and travel the world was a "rather bold" move".

What are some alternatives to saying "rather bold"?

Alternatives to "rather bold" include "quite daring", "somewhat audacious", or "fairly courageous". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "rather bold" appropriate for formal writing?

While "rather bold" is generally acceptable, it's more suited for neutral to slightly informal contexts. In highly formal settings, consider more precise synonyms like "courageous" or "innovative".

What does it mean when something is described as "rather bold"?

When something is described as "rather bold", it means that it's considered daring, unconventional, or audacious. It implies a level of risk or confidence in the action or idea.