rather it is

USAGE SUMMARY

'rather it is' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to provide an alternative explanation or suggestion. For example: While many people believe that the company is suffering from poor management, rather it is a shift in the industry that has caused their decline.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Rather, it is restful.

Independent

Rather, it is a dilemma.

The Economist

Or rather, it is me.

Independent

Rather, it is inexorable.

The New York Times

Rather, it is propaganda.

The Guardian

Rather, it is "how".

The New York Times - Magazine

Rather, it is both.

The New York Times

Rather, it is extremism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rather, it is the Muslims' war altogether.

Independent

Or, rather, it is supposed to be.

Independent

Rather, it is the traffic-stopping red.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rather it is" to introduce a clarification or correction to a previous statement. It's effective for refining understanding and emphasizing a specific point.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "rather it is", as it can make your writing sound repetitive and monotonous. Vary your sentence structure by using alternative phrases or rephrasing your ideas for a more engaging read.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather it is" functions as a discourse marker, primarily used to introduce a clarification, correction, or alternative perspective to a previously stated idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase serves to refine understanding and provide a more accurate or nuanced view.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rather it is" is a versatile phrase utilized to introduce a clarification, correction, or alternative perspective. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various writing contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as scientific domains. The analysis indicates that while it is a common phrase, varying sentence structure can enhance writing quality. Its function is to offer a contrast or refinement, serving as a discourse marker that redirects focus and provides a more accurate view. Alternatives such as "instead it is" or "more accurately it is" can provide similar functions, while avoiding overuse of the original phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instead it is

Replaces 'rather' with 'instead', emphasizing the substitution of one idea for another.

more accurately it is

Adds a focus on precision and correction to the statement.

in reality it is

Highlights the true nature of something, contrasting it with a misconception.

actually it is

Emphasizes the factual nature of the statement, often in response to a prior incorrect assumption.

in fact it is

Similar to 'actually', it underscores the truth of the matter.

to be precise it is

Introduces a more exact or detailed clarification.

on the contrary it is

Presents an opposing viewpoint to what was previously stated.

by contrast it is

Draws a direct comparison to highlight the differences.

the truth is it is

Emphasizes the veracity and importance of the statement.

to be exact it is

Adds a nuance of specificity and precision.

FAQs

How can I use "rather it is" in a sentence?

Use "rather it is" to introduce a more accurate or precise statement following a previous one. For example, "The problem isn't the budget; "rather it is" the allocation of resources".

What alternatives can I use instead of "rather it is"?

You can use alternatives like "instead it is", "more accurately it is", or "in fact it is" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "rather it is" and "however it is"?

"Rather it is" is used to correct or clarify a previous statement, while "however it is" introduces a contrast or exception. They serve different functions in argumentation and explanation.

Is "rather it is" formal or informal?

"Rather it is" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more commonly found in written rather than spoken communication. For more casual speech, alternatives like "actually" or "really" might be preferred.