rather faster than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rather faster than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the speed of two things, indicating that one is significantly quicker than the other. Example: "The new engine operates rather faster than the previous model, improving overall efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

We are showing that it seems to be happening rather faster than that".

The Guardian

This year, however, filling the tank may empty the wallet rather faster than usual.

The Economist

But Asia's economies have returned to normal rather faster than its monetary policies.

The Economist

In fact, their maths results have been improving rather faster than those of their peers in other countries, according to Dr John Jerrim of the IoE.

The Guardian

Between 2003 and 2012 the number of journeys on the railway grew by 78%, rather faster than the 46% growth across the national network.

The Economist

"These figures suggest A&E attendances are increasing rather faster than the growth in the number of major 'accidents' and medical 'emergencies', putting great strain on A&E departments," he said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

His waltzes were also written specifically for the salon recital rather than the ballroom and are frequently at rather faster tempos than their dance-floor equivalents.

Wikipedia

We need something that's rather faster to put on weight than ourselves.

Forbes

Maybe you've been riding an economic wave rather than swimming faster than ever before.

Forbes

He added: "Parkway stations plonked in the green belt, like that proposed a mile away from Manchester airport, would create gridlock rather than faster journeys".

The Guardian

In a letter sent to the administration, the chairmen of the Business Roundtable and the Business Council identified "government initiatives that will cause slower rather than faster growth".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rather faster than" when you want to subtly emphasize that the difference in speed is more significant than a simple comparison might suggest. It adds a nuance of surprise or unexpected acceleration.

Common error

Avoid using "rather faster than" when the speed difference is minimal or negligible. The phrase implies a noticeable improvement, so reserve it for situations where the increased speed is genuinely meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather faster than" functions as an adverbial comparative, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that an action or process occurs at a speed that exceeds a previous rate. Ludwig confirms its correct grammatical use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rather faster than" is a versatile comparative phrase used to emphasize a notable difference in speed. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. While alternatives like "significantly quicker than" exist, "rather faster than" offers a subtle nuance of surprise or unexpected acceleration. It is commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts, making it suitable for neutral to slightly formal writing. When using this phrase, ensure the speed difference is genuinely meaningful to avoid overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significantly quicker than

Emphasizes a more substantial difference in speed.

considerably faster than

Highlights the magnitude of the speed difference.

noticeably more rapid than

Indicates an easily observable increase in speed.

a good deal faster than

Expresses the idea of 'rather' in a more colloquial way.

appreciably swifter than

Suggests a speed difference that is worth mentioning or considering.

markedly speedier than

Implies a clear and distinct speed advantage.

demonstrably faster than

Highlights the proven increase in speed.

substantially more fleet-footed than

Describes with a metaphor a speed beyond expectations.

measurably faster-paced than

Focuses on the rate or tempo being faster.

distinctly more expeditious than

Focuses on speed and efficiency.

FAQs

How can I use "rather faster than" in a sentence?

Use "rather faster than" to compare the speed of two things, suggesting one is notably quicker. For example: "The new software processes data "rather faster than" the old version".

What are some alternatives to "rather faster than"?

You can use alternatives like "significantly quicker than", "considerably faster than", or "noticeably more rapid than" to convey a similar meaning with slightly different emphasis.

Is "rather faster than" more formal or informal?

"Rather faster than" is generally considered neutral, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The specific tone will depend on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall purpose of the writing.

What's the difference between "faster than" and "rather faster than"?

"Faster than" simply indicates a comparison of speed. "Rather faster than" implies a greater difference in speed than just "faster than", adding a degree of emphasis or surprise.