rather easier

USAGE SUMMARY

"rather easier" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to something that is not difficult, but may take some effort to accomplish. For example, "Rather than a full renovation, we decided on a few simple repairs, which would be rather easier".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Or rather, easier not said.

The New York Times

It's rather easier this way around, isn't it, though?

The Guardian - Music

For Alex, cobblers trips rather easier off the tongue.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yet the Scot found life rather easier from closer in.

The Guardian - Sport

"It is rather easier to list the ingredients than to describe the dish.

The New York Times - Arts

As for the quality of the drink, that's rather easier to answer.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

UNTIL the summer, investing seemed rather easy.

The Economist

But these are rather easy marks.

The New York Times - Books

Justice Scalia says it is rather easy.

The Economist

After all, it appears rather easy to obtain shareholder approval.

The New York Times

And that decision, according to Manager Joe Girardi, was rather easy.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rather easier" to subtly downplay the difficulty of a task or situation, suggesting it's manageable without being effortless.

Common error

Avoid using "rather easier" when something is genuinely simple. It's best suited for situations that require some effort but are less challenging than alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather easier" functions as an adverbial modifier intensifying the adjective "easier". Ludwig AI identifies its role in indicating a comparative degree of simplicity or reduced difficulty. It serves to qualify a statement, suggesting something is not overly challenging, aligning with examples across various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rather easier" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that functions as an adverbial modifier. According to Ludwig AI, it's used to express a nuanced assessment of relative ease, implying that something is less difficult without being entirely simple. It is most commonly found in news and media sources, suggesting a neutral register. When using this phrase, remember it's best suited for situations that are less challenging, but still require some effort. While alternatives exist, "rather easier" offers a concise and understandable way to convey comparative ease in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat simpler

Uses "simpler" instead of "easier", implying less complexity.

a bit more straightforward

Emphasizes the directness and lack of complications.

slightly less complicated

Replaces "easier" with "less complicated" for a focus on the complexity.

moderately less challenging

Replaces "easier" with a more formal phrase, focusing on the reduction of challenge.

appreciably smoother

Suggests a more seamless and effortless process.

noticeably more convenient

Shifts the focus to ease of use and practicality.

marginally less demanding

Focuses on the reduction in effort required.

comparatively accessible

Highlights the ease of reaching or obtaining something.

plainly undemanding

Underscores the lack of difficulty or complexity.

relatively untroubled

Implies fewer problems or difficulties.

FAQs

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

You can use "rather easier" to indicate that something is less difficult compared to another option. For example, "Taking the train is "rather easier" than driving in rush hour".

What are some alternatives to "rather easier"?

Some alternatives to "rather easier" include "somewhat simpler", "a bit more straightforward", or "noticeably more convenient", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "rather easier" and "much easier"?

"Rather easier" suggests a subtle difference in difficulty, while "much easier" implies a more significant contrast. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the degree of difference you want to convey.

Is "rather easier" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "rather easier" is generally suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, in very formal contexts, you might consider alternatives like "moderately less challenging" for a more sophisticated tone.