rather like this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rather like this" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to draw a comparison or similarity to something previously mentioned or shown. Example: "The painting style is rather like this one, with bold colors and abstract shapes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Rather than detailing the biological significance of each lncRNA and smallRNA cluster, we would rather like this report to serve as a ready reference and starting point for experimental validation of interesting candidates.

Biology Direct

I rather like this effortful image-making.

Independent

I rather like this idea.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And yet I rather like this one.

The Guardian - Film

I do rather like this V60, though.

The Guardian - Tech

Over the years I had met guys rather like this.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

I rather liked this, though some students might take umbrage.

The Guardian - Travel

But I'm rather liking this teaser for David Fincher's Facebook film, The Social Network.

The Guardian - Film

Even such a diehard opponent of dams as Patrick McCully, of the International Rivers Network in Berkeley, California, admits shyly that he rather likes this particular one.

The Economist

But I rather like that".

Independent

Doesn't quite have the wrath of Prince Far I, does it?" Coppi, however, rather liked the sound of this middle-class dub business: "Blood and fire!

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rather like this" to draw a comparison or illustrate a point by relating it to something already known or visible to the audience. It's effective for making abstract ideas more concrete.

Common error

While "rather like this" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing. Opt for more precise or sophisticated comparisons to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather like this" primarily functions as a comparative phrase, drawing parallels between two distinct elements. As noted by Ludwig, it is a valid and usable expression. Examples showcase its usage in connecting ideas or objects, offering a relatable reference point.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rather like this" serves as a versatile comparative tool, primarily used to draw parallels and make connections between ideas or objects. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound expression that functions to illustrate through comparison. While the phrase is considered generally neutral in register, it leans towards informality, being commonly found in news media and general sources. Its usage helps make abstract concepts more accessible and relatable to a broader audience. When writing, "rather like this" should be used carefully in formal context, as overuse may undermine sophistication. Consider related alternatives like ""somewhat similar to this"" or ""quite like this"" to adapt the tone according to the specific scenario.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat similar to this

Replaces "rather like" with "somewhat similar", softening the comparison.

quite like this

Substitutes "rather" with "quite", indicating a high degree of similarity.

relatively similar to this

Uses "relatively similar" to indicate a moderate degree of likeness.

akin to this

Replaces "rather like" with "akin to", providing a more formal synonym.

comparable to this

Uses "comparable to" to suggest similarities that allow for comparison.

reminiscent of this

Suggests that something brings this to mind.

bears resemblance to this

A more formal way of saying something looks like this.

not unlike this

Uses a double negative to express similarity.

of a similar nature to this

A more verbose way of saying similar.

in the same vein as this

Indicates a similarity in style or approach.

FAQs

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

You can use "rather like this" to draw a comparison, for instance, "The new design is "rather like this" concept we discussed last week, but with a few modifications".

What are some alternatives to "rather like this"?

Some alternatives include "somewhat similar to this", "quite like this", or "reminiscent of this", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "rather like this" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "rather like this" might be considered too informal for highly academic or professional contexts. Consider using more precise language for a more formal tone.

What's the difference between "rather like this" and "similar to this"?

"Rather like this" implies a slightly stronger degree of similarity or a personal preference, whereas "similar to this" is a more neutral and straightforward comparison.