rather intense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rather intense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is quite strong or extreme in nature, such as emotions, experiences, or situations. Example: "The debate became rather intense as both sides passionately defended their viewpoints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr Morpurgo said: "People felt they were all rather intense books.

The Guardian

Lagercrantz, who is both skittish and rather intense, emits a kind of squeak.

The Guardian - Books

Both are friendly, but Del Naja is voluble and rather intense.

The Guardian - Music

We had both recently been in rather intense relationships, so we were wary, but also incredibly happy right away.

The New Yorker

Meanwhile, I'd been suffering from some rather intense cardiac arrhythmia, which started troubling me soon after giving birth.

The Guardian

Awesomely, many remains from every element of this rather intense and extended history are still visible in Anzio.

The Guardian - Travel

A small warning: I would think twice before taking any small kids to see this one, since there's a couple of rather intense hunting scenes.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I would say he's rather more like Eisenhower, in the sense that he had to accommodate himself to this rather intense sort of internal dissonance.

The New Yorker

There was a good surgeon at the hospital, and after a rather intense session of stitching, he had me on my feet again.

The New York Times

Yet the founders of the Internet Trade Finance Exchange (ITF), a group of rather intense New Yorkers, have been thinking quite a lot about trade finance.

The Economist

After reporting in at reception I'm met by a friendly, if rather intense, Scientology volunteer who'd be taking me through my test results.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rather intense" to describe situations, emotions, or experiences that are notably strong or extreme, but not necessarily overwhelmingly so. It strikes a balance between mild and very strong descriptions.

Common error

While "rather intense" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise or sophisticated language (e.g., "highly pronounced" or "exceptionally rigorous") to convey the intended meaning more effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather intense" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It intensifies the quality of the noun it describes, indicating a notable degree of intensity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

26%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rather intense" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective phrase that serves to emphasize the degree of intensity of a described subject. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its common occurrence across diverse sources such as news, scientific articles, and academic papers highlights its versatility. While applicable in various contexts, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing, opting instead for more refined language to articulate the intended meaning more accurately. Consider alternatives like "quite intense" or "fairly intense" based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite intense

A direct synonym, implying a similar level of emphasis or degree.

highly intense

Denotes a greater level of intensity compared to "rather intense".

fairly intense

Indicates a degree of intensity that is somewhat less than "quite intense".

considerably intense

Indicates a significant level of intensity.

pretty intense

A more informal way of saying "rather intense", often used in casual conversation.

markedly intense

Emphasizes that the intensity is noticeable or distinct.

decidedly intense

Highlights a clear and definite sense of intensity.

somewhat intense

Suggests a slightly lower degree of intensity than the original phrase.

noticeably intense

Similar to "markedly intense", highlighting the obvious presence of intensity.

moderately intense

Implies a balanced level of intensity, neither too strong nor too weak.

FAQs

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

You can use "rather intense" to describe emotions, experiences, or situations that are notably strong but not overwhelming. For example, "The debate became rather intense as the evening progressed."

What can I say instead of "rather intense"?

You can use alternatives like "quite intense", "fairly intense", or "pretty intense" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "rather intense" or "very intense"?

Both "rather intense" and "very intense" are grammatically correct, but they differ slightly in emphasis. "Very intense" implies a higher degree of intensity than "rather intense".

What's the difference between "rather intense" and "somewhat intense"?

"Rather intense" suggests a more significant level of intensity compared to "somewhat intense", which indicates a milder degree of intensity.