rather hefty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rather hefty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is quite large or heavy, often in a figurative sense, such as a significant amount or degree of something. Example: "The bill for the repairs was rather hefty, leaving us with little money for other expenses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

And, unlike on Broadway, the sometimes rather hefty ticket price includes a great meal.

The New York Times

For IAC, a midsize company with a market capitalization of $3.4 billion, this is a rather hefty payout.

The New York Times

It's noticeably lighter too and you can imagine carrying it around far more than the original, rather hefty, version.

The Guardian - Tech

He presented her with a rather hefty Belle of the Concours trophy, which she insisted on holding, at one point raising it aloft.

The New York Times

In the words of a trial reporter: "She is a big girl with a striking face: fine straight nose, thinnish curved lips, rather hefty chin, blue eyes.

The Guardian

In the first episode, a rather hefty portion of airtime (11 out of 43 minutes) is devoted to an animation on the life of Giordano Bruno.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

The price: expect to fork out $350 for the privilege, with a $100 MIR bringing it down to a still-rather-hefty $250.

TechCrunch

Tumblelogs focused on quick and easy posting of text snippets, photos and videos, rather than hefty chunks of prose.

The Economist

They fear that offshore oil drilling will drive away the whales, and would rather draw hefty royalties from opening up the coastal plain.

The Economist

The San Francisco Chronicle: In the Santa Rita Hills of western Santa Barbara County, Jon Bonné sees evidence of a stylistic change, as he finds more wines that are lively, structured and leaner rather than hefty and opulent.

The New York Times

The government would no doubt rather the hefty sums it pays for their services stayed at home.Meanwhile, the firm's backers led by Elon Musk, its founder, who made his fortune with PayPal, an internet-payments firm are counting on a successful launch to begin recouping the hundreds of millions they have invested.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rather hefty" to describe something that is surprisingly or unexpectedly large, heavy, or significant. It adds a touch of understatement.

Common error

Avoid using "rather hefty" in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise and professional terms like "substantial", "significant", or "considerable" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather hefty" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, adding information about its size, weight, or amount. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rather hefty" is a common and acceptable way to describe something of considerable size or significance. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is indeed correct and usable in written English. It functions as an adjective phrase, typically found in news and media contexts. While grammatically sound, it's best used in neutral to informal settings, avoiding overly formal or technical writing where more precise alternatives may be preferred. Alternatives like "quite substantial" or "fairly large" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite substantial

Emphasizes the considerable size or amount, similar to "rather hefty" but with a slightly more formal tone.

fairly large

A straightforward way to indicate considerable size, less emphatic than "rather hefty".

considerably large

Highlights the significant degree of largeness, similar to "rather hefty" in emphasis.

noticeably large

Indicates that the size is easily observed, focusing on perception rather than just size.

appreciably large

Suggests the size is significant enough to be important or impactful, adding a layer of consequence.

remarkably big

Emphasizes the unusual or noteworthy size, adding a sense of surprise.

significantly sizable

Highlights the importance of the size, suitable for formal contexts.

moderately bulky

Focuses on the physical bulk or volume, implying a degree of unwieldiness.

somewhat weighty

Emphasizes the heaviness or importance, applicable when weight is a factor.

decidedly massive

Indicates a clear and unmistakable large size, adding a sense of scale.

FAQs

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

You can use "rather hefty" to describe something that is quite large or substantial. For example: "The project required a "rather hefty" investment of time and resources."

What's a good alternative to "rather hefty"?

Alternatives include "quite substantial", "fairly large", or "considerably large" depending on the specific context.

Is "rather hefty" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "rather hefty" is generally more suitable for informal or semi-formal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise and professional terms.

What does "rather hefty" imply about the item being described?

It implies that the item is larger or more significant than expected, often with a slightly humorous or understated tone. It suggests a notable size or amount.