rather fragile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rather fragile" is correct and can be used in written English.
Example: The antique vase is rather fragile, so please handle it with care.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Asia's financial turmoil is beginning to make France's recovery look rather fragile after all.

The Economist

The secularists could put together a government with smaller factions, albeit a rather fragile one.

The Economist

The test (internal skeleton) is rather fragile with four porous spaces, or petaloids.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Playing East against West ReprintsFeisty rhetoric aside, "Iron Erna" is in a rather fragile position.

The Economist

Far from being the Napoleonic tyrant of Fleet St oligarch imaginings, the EU is rather fragile.

The Guardian

This way, the researchers suggest, a rather fragile equilibrium in male elephant society is maintained.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

This aspect may be especially crucial in MSA since the facial bone is mainly compact and the Schneiderian membrane rather thin and fragile.

International Journal of Implant Dentistry

She is small, looks rather delicate, and speaks in a fragile, high-pitched timbre.

The New Yorker

Some artificial plants can be rather delicate and be made of fragile material.

WikiHow

The most gloomy theory is that America's economy is, in fact, rather more fragile than the current statistics suggest (and most forecasters presume).

The Economist

Yet in another Romantic ballet, "La Sylphide," she immediately found her true center, opting for robust seductiveness rather than fragile charm.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts like economies or relationships, use "rather fragile" to suggest a state of instability that requires careful management or nurturing.

Common error

While "rather fragile" is versatile, avoid overuse in strictly formal or scientific writing. Opt for more precise synonyms like "vulnerable" or "unstable" to maintain a professional tone and enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather fragile" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe its state or condition. It indicates that something is delicate, easily broken, or vulnerable. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rather fragile" is a commonly used adjective phrase that conveys a sense of vulnerability or instability. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, but depending on the setting, alternatives might be preferable. It is frequently used in news, science, and encyclopedia articles. When using "rather fragile", consider the specific context and audience to ensure the message is clearly and effectively conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat delicate

Replaces "fragile" with "delicate", softening the intensity slightly.

quite vulnerable

Substitutes "fragile" with "vulnerable", emphasizing susceptibility to harm.

fairly unstable

Replaces "fragile" with "unstable", highlighting a lack of stability or balance.

a bit brittle

Uses "brittle" instead of "fragile", suggesting a tendency to break easily.

somewhat precarious

Replaces "fragile" with "precarious", implying a risky or uncertain state.

rather easily damaged

Expands "fragile" to explicitly state the potential for easy damage.

somewhat sensitive

Replaces "fragile" with "sensitive", emphasizing a high degree of responsiveness to external stimuli.

quite frail

Uses "frail" instead of "fragile", often implying physical weakness.

a little flimsy

Replaces "fragile" with "flimsy", suggesting a lack of strength or substance.

somewhat impermanent

Substitutes "fragile" with "impermanent", highlighting a lack of durability or lasting quality.

FAQs

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

You can use "rather fragile" to describe something easily broken or damaged, either physically or metaphorically. For example: "The antique vase is "rather fragile", so handle it with care" or "The economy is in a "rather fragile" state after the crisis".

What are some alternatives to saying "rather fragile"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "somewhat delicate", "quite vulnerable", or "fairly unstable".

Is it okay to use "rather fragile" in formal writing?

While acceptable, consider the formality level. In very formal or scientific contexts, more precise terms such as "vulnerable" or "unstable" might be preferable to "rather fragile".

What does it mean when something is described as "rather fragile"?

It means that the thing being described is easily broken, damaged, or disrupted. This can apply to physical objects, as well as abstract concepts like relationships or economies.