rather more

USAGE SUMMARY

'rather more' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that something is more than usual, or more than expected. For example: "The violin concerto was rather more complex than the last piece we played."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I'm rather more optimistic.

The New York Times

Boot is rather more aggressive".

The New Yorker

Then it gets rather more high-tech.

The Economist

This leaves rather more room for extravagance.

The Economist

However, the threat is rather more general.

The Economist

The boys had rather more difficulty.

Independent

Rather more will just about emerge unscathed.

Independent

Its devastation is rather more lasting.

The Economist

Nowadays it faces rather more polished rivals.

The Economist

They may have rather more effect.

The New Yorker

E8 is rather more difficult to visualise.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rather more" to add a touch of formality or understatement when comparing quantities or qualities. It's suitable for expressing a nuanced difference without being overly emphatic.

Common error

Avoid using "rather more" in very casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "more" or "a bit more" to maintain a natural and approachable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather more" functions as a degree modifier, intensifying an adjective or adverb. Ludwig confirms that it's used to indicate that something is greater in degree or extent than something else. This is seen in examples like 'rather more complicated' or 'rather more interesting'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rather more" is a degree modifier that indicates something is greater in degree or extent, as affirmed by Ludwig. It functions to express nuanced comparisons and is commonly used in news and media contexts. While grammatically correct, its register leans toward neutral to formal, making it suitable for professional writing and communication. To ensure effective usage, use "rather more" when you want to express a difference in degree or extent in a somewhat understated or refined manner. Also avoid overusing "rather more" in informal conversations and it may be better to choose alternatives such as "more" or "a bit more".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appreciably more

Suggests the increase is both noticeable and important.

somewhat greater

Implies a slight increase or difference, focusing on the extent of the augmentation.

substantially greater

Highlights a significant and impactful increase.

to a greater extent

Focuses on the degree to which something is increased or intensified.

significantly higher

Indicates a considerable increase, emphasizing a substantial difference in amount or level.

noticeably larger

Suggests that the increase is easily observed and prominent.

markedly increased

Highlights the evident and distinct increase in something.

considerably bigger

Emphasizes the magnitude of the increase.

a good deal more

Emphasizes a notable increase in quantity or extent.

a fair amount more

Indicates that there is a reasonable increase in something.

FAQs

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

"Rather more" is used to indicate a greater degree or extent. For example, "The second option is "rather more" appealing than the first."

What phrases are similar to "rather more"?

Alternatives to "rather more" include "somewhat greater", "significantly higher", or "noticeably larger" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "rather more" formal or informal?

"Rather more" leans towards the formal side. In more casual settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "a bit more" or just "more".

When is it appropriate to use "rather more"?

Use "rather more" when you want to express a difference in degree or extent in a somewhat understated or refined manner. It's suitable for formal writing and professional communication.