rather like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rather like" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to compare two things or people. For example: "He looked rather like his father."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But I rather like that".

Independent

Rather like Mr Cameron.

The Economist

I rather like Boris.

Independent

Rather like an oyster.

The Economist

Rather like the politicians really.

The Economist

Cuy tastes rather like rabbit.

The Economist

Rather like a difficult workout.

The New York Times

Their own, they rather like.

The Economist

Rather like the President, actually.

The New Yorker

"I rather like it melting in".

The New York Times

I rather like this effortful image-making.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rather like" to subtly express a comparison or a mild preference. It's particularly effective when you want to avoid strong assertions or direct statements.

Common error

While "rather like" is versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing. Opt for more precise comparisons or stronger expressions of preference to maintain a professional tone. If you can find a single word replacement, that is better than the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather like" primarily functions as a comparative phrase. It's used to draw a comparison between two things, indicating a degree of similarity or resemblance. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rather like" is a versatile tool for expressing similarity or mild preference. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently encountered in written English, particularly in news and media contexts. While acceptable in most situations, be mindful of the register and consider more precise alternatives for highly formal writing. Remember, "rather like" allows for subtle comparisons and understated expressions, making it a valuable addition to your linguistic toolkit. As it is, it should be considered a useful, albeit wordy, substitute for a single word with an equivalent meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kind of like

Indicates a looser, more informal comparison, often suggesting an approximation.

a bit like

Similar to "kind of like", but can also imply a smaller degree of resemblance.

somewhat similar to

Emphasizes a partial resemblance, indicating the items being compared share some characteristics but are not identical.

not unlike

A double negative that expresses similarity in an indirect way.

reminiscent of

Suggests that something evokes memories or associations of something else.

quite fond of

Shifts the focus to express affection or enjoyment, rather than direct comparison.

shares characteristics with

Highlights the common traits between two or more items.

bears a resemblance to

More formal way of saying that something looks or seems similar to something else.

approximates to

Implies that one thing is close to another in terms of quality, quantity, or nature.

has a certain affinity with

Indicates a natural liking or connection between two things, often implying a shared origin or nature.

FAQs

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

"Rather like" is used to express similarity or a mild preference. For example: "This tastes "rather like chicken"" or "I "rather like that idea"."

What phrases are similar to "rather like"?

Alternatives include "kind of like", "somewhat similar to", or "a bit like", depending on the context and the degree of similarity you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "rather like" in formal writing?

Yes, "rather like" is generally acceptable, but consider more precise or formal alternatives like "bears a resemblance to" in academic or professional contexts. Also remember that formality may require you to consider single word replacements.

What's the difference between "rather like" and "quite like"?

"Rather like" implies a milder degree of similarity or preference compared to "quite like". "Quite like" suggests a stronger affinity or resemblance, while "rather like" is more subtle.