rather unnerving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rather unnerving" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes discomfort or anxiety, often in a subtle or understated way. Example: "The sudden silence in the room was rather unnerving, making everyone feel on edge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

And rather unnerving.

The New Yorker

I must say I found it rather unnerving.

Independent

That level of attention, one assumes, must be rather unnerving.

The Guardian - Film

Producers must have noticed - as one writer put it - her rather "unnerving" ease of delivery.

The Guardian

"It was rather unnerving".

The New York Times

"It is rather unnerving," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

While neither Alexandre Pato nor Robinho looked strong enough – however clever they were – to burst behind Spurs, their positioning rather unnerved the home side's back four and, against their better instincts, pinned them all deep.

The Guardian - Sport

That's why I look at this as such an exciting, rather than unnerving, moment to be around.

The New York Times

She is drawn to dark comedy she says, which is why she finds her near miss with Jimmy Savile amusing rather than unnerving.

Independent

As writers like me have struggled to create entities whose fundamental quality captivity must entice consumers rather than unnerve them, some have alighted on gender as a solution.

The New Yorker

Olshansky thought the whole thing was weird, but in a way that was unnerving rather than funny.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rather unnerving" to describe situations or experiences that create a subtle sense of unease without causing extreme fear or panic. It is suitable for conveying nuanced feelings of discomfort in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "rather unnerving" when describing truly terrifying or traumatic events. This phrase implies a mild level of discomfort; stronger language is more appropriate for severe situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather unnerving" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes something that causes a feeling of unease or mild anxiety. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rather unnerving" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe situations that evoke a mild sense of unease or discomfort. According to Ludwig, it is considered grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts. It's frequency is common, especially in news and media, indicating its widespread acceptance and applicability. The phrase is suitable for neutral to professional registers, making it a valuable tool for conveying nuanced emotional responses. While alternatives like "slightly disturbing" or "somewhat unsettling" exist, "rather unnerving" offers a specific balance of subtlety and precision. Remember to reserve stronger language for genuinely frightening scenarios, as highlighted in the writing guidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Rather disturbing

Similar to the main phrase but focuses on the disturbing part.

Slightly disturbing

Emphasizes the disturbing aspect but to a lesser degree.

Somewhat unsettling

Highlights the unsettling nature of the situation, offering a more formal tone.

A little unsettling

Similar to "somewhat unsettling" but with an informal tone.

A bit creepy

Suggests a feeling of unease and slight fear.

Slightly creepy

Similar to "a bit creepy" but uses a more formal word.

Kind of eerie

Conveys a sense of mystery and slight apprehension.

Mildly alarming

Focuses on the alarming aspect, but in a gentle way.

Quite disquieting

Emphasizes the disquiet and disturbance caused by something.

Somewhat spooky

Highlights a feeling of being spooky rather than unnerving.

FAQs

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

You can use "rather unnerving" to describe situations that cause a slight feeling of unease. For example: "The silence in the house was "rather unnerving"." or "The way he stared at me was "rather unnerving"".

What's the difference between "rather unnerving" and "very scary"?

"Rather unnerving" implies a subtle feeling of unease or discomfort, whereas "very scary" suggests a significant level of fear. The first is mild, the second is intense.

What can I say instead of "rather unnerving"?

Alternatives to "rather unnerving" include "slightly disturbing", "somewhat unsettling", or "a bit creepy", depending on the context.

Is "rather unnerving" formal or informal?

"Rather unnerving" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The term "rather" adds a touch of understatement that makes it versatile.