rather heavy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rather heavy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a significant weight or to express a degree of heaviness that is more than average. Example: "The box was rather heavy, making it difficult for her to lift it alone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

After that it all gets rather heavy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Orwell described it as "simple, rather heavy, perhaps slightly barbarous".

Independent

The causes were important, but, truth be told, rather heavy.

The New York Times

She appeared to be wearing false eyelashes and rather heavy foundation.

The New Yorker

Malus domestica (apple) produces wood that is reddish brown, hard, and rather heavy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Whatever the opposite of "simple, rather heavy, perhaps slightly barbarous" is, this place is it.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Less, because he tends to be a rather heavy-handed critic.

The Guardian - Books

He is a sitting duck - or deer, as the rather heavy-handed double entendre of the title would suggest.

Independent

Then, to a rather heavy-set teenager wearing headphones: "And young man, I can't get through because of your frontpack".

The New York Times

As an encore, she offered a colorful and cleanly articulated if rather heavy-handed rendition of Scarlatti's Sonata in C (K. 159).

The New York Times - Arts

There was something intermittent about the meaning of my rather heavy-duty symbolism, and about whether the flies signified anything at all.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rather heavy", consider the context to ensure it aligns with the intended degree of heaviness. It implies more than 'slightly heavy' but less than 'very heavy'.

Common error

Avoid using "rather heavy" too frequently in formal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound informal. Opt for more precise and descriptive alternatives depending on the context, such as "considerable", "substantial", or "burdensome".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather heavy" functions as an intensifier (the adverb "rather") modifying an adjective ("heavy"). It indicates a degree of heaviness that is more than just heavy, but not extremely so. According to Ludwig, it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rather heavy" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that has a significant degree of weight, impact, or intensity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. As demonstrated by the numerous examples, it appears frequently in news articles, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context and formality of your writing. In formal contexts, more precise alternatives may be preferable, although the examples indicate its wide spread use across various text types. Be mindful of overuse and ensure it conveys the intended degree of heaviness accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat weighty

Replaces "heavy" with "weighty" and "rather" with "somewhat", softening the intensity slightly.

quite burdensome

Shifts the focus to the burdensome aspect of being heavy, implying a difficulty or problem.

fairly substantial

Emphasizes the size or amount contributing to the heaviness, often used for abstract concepts.

moderately dense

Highlights the density as the cause of the weight, suitable for describing materials or substances.

somewhat intense

Alters the meaning to intensity, which is useful when "rather heavy" describes an emotional or impactful experience.

slightly cumbersome

Focuses on the awkwardness or difficulty in handling something due to its weight or size.

relatively ponderous

Implies a slowness or seriousness linked to the weight, suitable for describing writing or speech.

reasonably hefty

Uses an informal synonym for heavy, suggesting a considerable but not overwhelming weight.

kind of massive

Emphasizes the scale and impact of the heavy item or concept.

pretty hefty

This alternative is colloquial and intensifies heaviness in an informal context.

FAQs

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

You can use "rather heavy" to describe something that has a significant weight or impact. For example, "The box was "rather heavy", making it difficult to lift" or "The news was "rather heavy", leaving everyone in shock".

What can I say instead of "rather heavy"?

Alternatives include "somewhat weighty", "fairly substantial", or "moderately dense" depending on the context. These phrases convey a similar meaning but with slightly different nuances.

Is "rather heavy" grammatically correct?

Yes, "rather heavy" is grammatically correct and functions as an adverb-adjective phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English.

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

"Rather heavy" implies a degree of heaviness that is more than average but less than extreme. "Very heavy", on the other hand, suggests a high degree of heaviness. "Rather" indicates a moderate level, whereas "very" indicates a higher level.