rather carefully

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rather carefully" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that is done with a significant degree of caution or attention to detail. Example: "She approached the fragile sculpture rather carefully, ensuring she didn't cause any damage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

I discussed his dissertation with him rather carefully.

Princeton University

The alternative to content-blind norms is not no norms, but rather carefully designed norms.

Cognition

No full-time child labor, but rather carefully supervised participation of children on farms.

Cornell University

In a sense, they are rather carefully engineered three-dimensional paintings.

The New York Times - Arts

I've also read Wolfgang Langewiesche's "Stick and Rudder" — a classic flight training manual — rather carefully.

The New York Times

This is a new tactic for a guerrilla army that has always husbanded its fighters' lives rather carefully.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Chris has been nurtured rather more carefully.

The Guardian - Sport

It is, rather, a carefully built up image of a room corrupted, not destroyed.

The Washington Post

Rather, members carefully choose photos to display aspects of their personalities.

The New York Times

Rather than carefully training animals to perform, it was far easier to trick them into it.

The Guardian - Film

The Conan books of Robert E Howard also took place in a rather less carefully reimagined prehistoric Europe.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “rather carefully” to describe actions requiring a balance of attentiveness and consideration, avoiding excessive speed or risk.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "rather carefully" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "carefully" or "pretty carefully" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather carefully" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the manner in which an action is performed. It denotes a degree of caution or attentiveness beyond simple carefulness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rather carefully" is a grammatically sound and relatively common adverbial phrase used to describe actions performed with significant caution or attention to detail. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. While appropriate for formal and neutral contexts such as news, academic writing and professional, it may sound overly formal in casual settings. Alternatives such as "somewhat carefully" or simply "carefully" may be more suitable in those instances. Its usage patterns show a strong presence in news and media, academia, and scientific writing. The phrase's communicative purpose is to emphasize deliberation and thoughtfulness in action, suggesting a level of consideration beyond mere carefulness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Somewhat carefully

Emphasizes a slightly lesser degree of caution compared to "rather carefully".

Quite cautiously

Highlights the cautious aspect of the action, focusing on avoiding risks.

Fairly meticulously

Focuses on the detailed and precise nature of the action.

Reasonably deliberately

Emphasizes the intentional and thoughtful nature of the action.

Moderately attentively

Stresses the level of attention and focus given to the action.

Somewhat deliberately

Highlights the calculated nature, implying a conscious and thoughtful approach but to a smaller degree.

Pretty thoroughly

Suggests a comprehensive approach, leaving few details unaddressed.

Slightly circumspectly

Implies a cautiousness born of suspicion or mistrust.

With some caution

Highlights caution as primary aspect.

With considerable attention

Shifts the focus to the degree of attention given.

FAQs

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

You can use "rather carefully" to describe an action done with considerable attention and caution. For example, "She examined the antique vase "rather carefully" to avoid any damage".

What phrases are similar to "rather carefully"?

Similar phrases include "somewhat carefully", "quite cautiously", or "fairly meticulously", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "rather carefully" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "rather carefully" is suitable for formal writing, as it conveys a sense of deliberate attention and caution in a clear and professional manner.

When should I avoid using "rather carefully"?

Avoid using "rather carefully" in very informal contexts where it might sound overly stilted or pretentious. Simpler alternatives like "carefully" or "pretty carefully" may be more appropriate.