rather recent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rather recent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has occurred or been created not long ago, often implying a degree of significance or relevance. Example: "The findings from the study are based on rather recent data, which provides a fresh perspective on the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Our idea of homosexuality is a rather recent invention.

The Guardian - Opinion

The surge in the research and development of porous polymer systems is a rather recent phenomenon.

Progress in Polymer Science

Aspen's reputation as a haven for the well-to-do is of rather recent origin.

The New Yorker

Releasing returns is, despite George Romney's pioneering 1968 example, a rather recent phenomenon.

The New York Times

That model arrives after the battery-powered Fit EV, reinforcing Honda's rather recent embrace of electrification.

The New York Times

"Student Expectations Seen as Causing Grade Disputes" (news article, Feb. 18) indicates a rather recent phenomenon among college students.

The New York Times

A rather recent innovation in office design is known as office landscape (from the German word Bürolandschaft).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Rather, recent studies show that the risk factors for suicide are identical for gay and straight youth.

The New York Times - Health

As we have noted, they are parts of rather recent measures for the control and restriction of foreign exchange and export transactions.

Cornell University

In this field, one of its most interesting (and rather recent) aspects has been the exploration of different ways to map architectural specifications down to executable representations.

Science of Computer Programming

Nevertheless, both the nature and the practice of interdisciplinary archaeology are actually quite complex and rather recent developments in the history of archaeology.

Encyclopedia of Archaeology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rather recent", consider if a more precise timeframe can be given to enhance clarity. For example, specify "in the last decade" or "since 2015" instead.

Common error

While "rather recent" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal contexts. Employ synonyms like "newly established" or "comparatively recent" to maintain a professional tone and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather recent" functions as a compound adjective, modifying a noun to indicate that something is new or has occurred not long ago. Ludwig examples show it modifying words like "invention", "phenomenon", and "development". Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rather recent" is a versatile phrase used as a compound adjective to indicate that something is new or has occurred not long ago. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. Analysis of Ludwig examples reveals its frequent use in scientific and news-related content. When using "rather recent", consider whether a more precise timeframe could improve clarity. While the phrase is generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing should be avoided by employing synonyms for variety and a more professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relatively new

Focuses on the newness in comparison to something else, suggesting a shorter existence or duration.

fairly recent

Emphasizes the recency in a more moderate tone, implying a less strong sense of newness than "very recent".

somewhat recent

Suggests a mild degree of recency, indicating that something is not very old but not extremely new either.

comparatively recent

Highlights the recency in relation to a specific point of reference or benchmark.

moderately recent

Indicates a balanced level of recency, implying a degree of newness without being overly emphatic.

newish

Informal term implying something is relatively new, suggesting a casual tone.

lately

Refers to events or actions occurring in the near past, focusing on the timing rather than the age of something.

newly established

Specifically refers to the establishment or creation of something not long ago.

just developed

Highlights the development phase of something, suggesting it has been recently created or improved.

fresh

Informal term referring to something recent and current.

FAQs

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

You can use "rather recent" to describe events, discoveries, or trends that have occurred or become prominent not long ago. For example: "The surge in the research and development of porous polymer systems is a "rather recent phenomenon"."

What are some alternatives to "rather recent"?

Alternatives include "relatively new", "fairly recent", and "somewhat recent". The best choice depends on the context and the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

Is "rather recent" formal or informal?

The phrase "rather recent" falls somewhere in the middle. It's suitable for most general writing but may benefit from being replaced by a more precise or formal term, such as "newly established", in highly formal contexts.

What's the difference between "rather recent" and "very recent"?

"Rather recent" implies a moderate degree of recency, whereas "very recent" emphasizes that something is extremely new. Consider the specific nuance you want to convey when choosing between "rather recent" and "very recent".