rather elaborate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rather elaborate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is detailed or complex, often in a positive or neutral context. Example: "The presentation was rather elaborate, showcasing intricate designs and thorough research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

So the Kurds had laid on a rather elaborate security detail.

The New Yorker

Although no one claims that insects have sophisticated brains, they can engage in rather elaborate behaviours.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It's a sweet object, a rather elaborate object for a tourist," Dr. Silver said.

The New York Times

A rather elaborate seafood dinner recently cost about $60 a person with wine.

The New York Times - Travel

However, to take this rather elaborate security measure I had to cross the raised threshold.

The Guardian

Could this little show be another deliberate ruse, albeit a rather elaborate one?

The Guardian - Sport

If Mr. Wright is perpetrating a hoax, it is a rather elaborate one.

The New York Times

We had a lovely, though rather elaborate, lunch, paired with excellent and well-priced Riojas in the orangery.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

In many species including primates and carnivores (but no rodent, even though some of them have rather elaborated vision [4, 5]), these orientation preferences are arranged in an ordered map along the cortical surface.

The Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience (JMN)

Burke's speech of 1774 on American Taxation did not delete the idea of imperial command, but rather elaborated his complex idea of the British empire in a new way in order to deal with the new situation.

SEP

Regulating the development and use of autonomous robots will require a rather more elaborate framework.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when using "rather elaborate". While it's generally suitable for formal and neutral settings, be mindful of whether a simpler term would suffice for informal communication.

Common error

Avoid using "rather elaborate" excessively, especially in contexts where simpler alternatives like "detailed" or "complex" would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather elaborate" primarily functions as a modifier, specifically an adjectival phrase. It qualifies a noun, indicating that the noun possesses a significant degree of complexity or detail. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where it describes various nouns like "security detail", "behaviours", and "dinner".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rather elaborate" is a versatile adjectival phrase used to describe something with considerable detail or complexity. As Ludwig AI explains, it’s grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse contexts, from news reports to scientific publications. While its neutral register makes it suitable for various settings, be mindful of overusing it. Alternatives like "quite detailed" or "moderately complex" can provide similar meaning with potentially better concision. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively incorporate "rather elaborate" into your writing to convey precise and nuanced descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite detailed

Emphasizes the level of detail involved, differing from "rather elaborate" which can also imply complexity.

somewhat intricate

Highlights the complex and interwoven nature of something, similar to "rather elaborate" but focusing on its design.

moderately complex

Focuses on the level of complexity without necessarily implying a high degree of detail.

fairly sophisticated

Suggests a high level of development or refinement, similar to implying detail and complexity of "rather elaborate".

reasonably detailed

Like "quite detailed", puts emphasis on the quantity of detail more than inherent complexity implied by "rather elaborate".

somewhat developed

Focuses on the degree of advancement or progression rather than the complexity of the item, concept, or idea.

quite sophisticated

Like "fairly sophisticated", suggests skill, quality, and complexity of components.

reasonably complex

Like "moderately complex", emphasizes the intricacy and involved nature of the concept.

somewhat refined

Highlights elegance and subtlety, rather than detail, but is similar to "rather elaborate" in suggesting high quality.

fairly detailed

Like "reasonably detailed", emphasizes quantity of detail rather than complexity or intricacy of the concept.

FAQs

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

You can use "rather elaborate" to describe something that is detailed or complex. For example: "The security system was "rather elaborate", involving multiple layers of authentication."

What are some alternatives to "rather elaborate"?

Alternatives include "quite detailed", "somewhat intricate", or "moderately complex". The best choice depends on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

Is "rather elaborate" too formal for casual writing?

While "rather elaborate" is suitable for formal and neutral writing, it may sound slightly out of place in very casual contexts. In those situations, consider simpler options like "pretty detailed" or "kind of complex".

What's the difference between "rather elaborate" and "very elaborate"?

"Rather elaborate" suggests a moderate level of elaboration, while "very elaborate" implies a higher degree of complexity and detail. The choice depends on the extent to which something is detailed or complex.