rather unconventional

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rather unconventional" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that deviates from the norm or is not typical in a particular context. Example: "Her approach to problem-solving is rather unconventional, often leading to innovative solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

His approach, as you may deduce from the images here, was rather unconventional.

Independent

The writer reminisces about her rather unconventional parents, both of whom were painters.

The New Yorker

I realise how lucky I was to be born into this rather unconventional, artistic family.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

My parents were rather unconventional and did not accept rules unless they thought they were defendable.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mr. Mayo himself would even send home rather unconventional report cards.

The New York Times

The picture of a friendly, if rather unconventional character, is confirmed by others who knew him.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Her features are rather unconventional, but she knows how to highlight them to her best advantage," Philips says.

The New York Times

It came from the most conventional of sources – a big publishing company – but in a rather unconventional way.

The Guardian - Music

A new photographic book, Africa on Safari, celebrates the conti-nent's diverse array of animals through a series of striking images taken using some rather unconventional techniques.

Independent

She felt that she had never been objective, and… The writer reminisces about her rather unconventional parents, both of whom were painters.

The New Yorker

A couple of years ago Cameron tried to win over detractors who scoffed at his family's perceived privilege by revealing that his wife Samantha was rather "unconventional.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rather unconventional" when you want to politely express that something deviates from the norm, without necessarily implying criticism. It softens the impact of "unconventional".

Common error

Avoid using "rather unconventional" when a stronger adjective like "unique" or "extraordinary" is more fitting. "Rather" can dilute the impact if the subject truly stands out.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather unconventional" functions as an adverb-adjective combination. It modifies a noun by describing it as deviating from standard norms, with 'rather' acting as a degree modifier. Ludwig AI indicates that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

26%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rather unconventional" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that deviates from the norm, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Its usage spans across various contexts, predominantly in news and media, and science. While alternatives like "somewhat out of the ordinary" or "slightly unorthodox" exist, "rather unconventional" offers a specific nuance of politeness and mild surprise. When writing, it's crucial to use "rather unconventional" appropriately, avoiding overuse and ensuring it aligns with the desired tone and strength of expression. This phrase works best when aiming for a nuanced description rather than a forceful declaration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fairly non-traditional

Indicates a departure from customary practices.

slightly unorthodox

Highlights a departure from established norms and practices.

somewhat out of the ordinary

Emphasizes the deviation from the typical or expected.

quite alternative

Suggests a choice outside the mainstream or conventional options.

moderately atypical

Focuses on the lack of conformity to a standard type.

distinctly offbeat

Highlights the unusual and quirky nature of something.

a bit eccentric

Suggests a mild form of oddness or peculiarity.

kind of peculiar

Implies a sense of strangeness or unusualness.

noticeably different

Emphasizes the distinctiveness of something compared to others.

relatively novel

Highlights the newness or originality of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "rather unconventional" to describe something that deviates from the norm. For example, "His approach to the problem was "rather unconventional", but it worked".

What are some alternatives to "rather unconventional"?

Alternatives include "somewhat out of the ordinary", "slightly unorthodox", or "fairly non-traditional" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "rather unconventional"?

Yes, "rather unconventional" is grammatically correct. The adverb "rather" modifies the adjective "unconventional", indicating a degree of unusualness.

What is the difference between "unconventional" and "rather unconventional"?

"Unconventional" means deviating from what is normal or customary. Adding "rather" softens the statement, suggesting it's somewhat, but not extremely, out of the ordinary. It implies a more polite or nuanced deviation from the norm.