rather extreme

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rather extreme" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is significantly beyond the usual or moderate level, often in a negative or critical context. Example: "The proposed changes to the policy are rather extreme and may alienate many of our supporters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Newell sees this in rather extreme terms.

The New York Times - Sports

The initial reaction was rather extreme.

The New York Times - Food

Two answers suggest themselves, both seemingly rather extreme.

The Economist

OK, we know these are rather extreme examples.

The Guardian

"Bob Jones has been known as a rather extreme place.

The New York Times

There is a solution – albeit a rather extreme, costly one.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The fact is that Arab audiences often harbour what look, to westerners, like rather extreme views.

The Economist

Third, good regulation should take account of our rather extreme ignorance.

The New York Times

I appreciate the product placement, but that's a rather extreme caricature of our positions.

The New York Times

The race for Alabama chief justice is a rather extreme version of this dynamic.

The New York Times

The core of the play is our celebrity couple's rather extreme love story.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rather extreme" to express that something goes beyond what is considered typical, acceptable, or reasonable. It often implies a critical or negative evaluation. Use in scenarios when it's important to soften the impact of describing something as simply 'extreme'.

Common error

While "rather extreme" is versatile, overuse can weaken your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "quite excessive" or "highly unreasonable" to maintain reader engagement and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather extreme" functions primarily as an intensifier modifying an adjective. As Ludwig AI points out, it indicates that something is significantly beyond the usual or moderate level. The adverb "rather" serves to qualify or soften the intensity of the adjective "extreme".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

26%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rather extreme" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe something that exceeds the usual or acceptable limits. According to Ludwig AI, this expression follows standard grammar rules and is suitable for diverse writing contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific writing. While versatile, mindful usage is recommended to avoid weakening the impact of your writing. As illustrated by Ludwig's examples, "rather extreme" serves to temper the intensity of "extreme", expressing concern or surprise without being overly emphatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite excessive

Emphasizes exceeding a reasonable limit.

highly unreasonable

Focuses on the lack of reason or justification.

somewhat drastic

Highlights the severity and suddenness of the action or situation.

fairly outrageous

Implies a violation of standards of decency or morality.

moderately excessive

Highlights that it's beyond the accepted limit.

pretty intense

Focuses on the high degree of strength or force.

slightly immoderate

Suggests a lack of restraint or control.

kind of wild

Suggests unpredictability or lack of control.

a bit much

Indicates exceeding what is appropriate or tolerable.

somewhat over the top

Suggests exaggerated or theatrical behavior.

FAQs

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

"Rather extreme" is used to describe something that is beyond the norm or acceptable limits. For example, "The proposed budget cuts are "rather extreme" and could negatively impact essential services".

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

"Rather extreme" implies a slightly lesser degree of intensity compared to "very extreme". "Very extreme" emphasizes the extremity more strongly, while "rather extreme" can soften the statement somewhat.

What are some alternatives to "rather extreme"?

You can use alternatives like "quite excessive", "highly unreasonable", or "somewhat drastic" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "rather extreme" in formal writing?

Yes, "rather extreme" is appropriate in formal writing, but consider the context and audience. It's important to use it judiciously to maintain a professional tone. Overuse can diminish the impact.