rather unusually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rather unusually" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is unusual to a significant degree or extent. Example: "The weather has been rather unusually warm for this time of year, surprising many residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Rather unusually, he often included himself in the wings of his photographs.

The Economist

Rather unusually, it's a house with 25 sides – and that excludes the annex outside.

The Guardian - Arts

Rather unusually, this also includes coil springs – whereas the cheaper Sport model has adaptive damping and optional air suspension.

Independent

Rather unusually the rockets come in separate pods that are attached to the rear of the rocket launcher.

The New York Times

When he was head of state he, rather unusually for the office, kept his fingers out of the till.

The Economist

The villain of the piece, rather unusually, was the banking sector which was responsible for the loss of around 40 points from the bluechip index.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Would you rather be unusually tall or unusually short?

The Guardian

Rather more unusually, supporters of the tax also seem to be more nervous.In February the commission published a proposal that would allow the 11 countries to press ahead with an FTT without all the other European Union members.

The Economist

Although it has since risen slightly, the global saving rate is now close to its average for the past two decades, rather than unusually high.In search of a glutBut Mr Bernanke's argument is more subtle.

The Economist

In common with many other start-ups, it has outsourced its production and distribution, but, rather more unusually, its fragrances – arguably a key part of the offering – have been developed by leading perfume specialists working on a freelance basis.

Independent

Rather, an unusually cold and wet spring in the Northeast had already done enough to force Fishkill Farms in Hopewell Junction, N.Y., to resort to federal crop insurance.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rather unusually" to introduce a statement that deviates from the expected norm. It adds a layer of surprise or mild astonishment.

Common error

Avoid using "rather unusually" excessively in your writing. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Opt for synonyms or rephrase the sentence to maintain a natural and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather unusually" functions as an adverbial modifier, adding emphasis and indicating that something is happening in a way that deviates from the expected norm. Ludwig AI confirms this based on its analysis of numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

24%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rather unusually" is a grammatically sound adverbial phrase that conveys a sense of surprise or deviation from the norm. It's commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific writing. Ludwig AI validates that this phrase is correct and usable in English. While it's a valuable tool for adding nuance to your writing, avoid overuse to maintain impact. Consider alternatives like "somewhat uncharacteristically" or "quite exceptionally" to vary your phrasing. The phrase enjoys a neutral register and is a helpful way to signal the unexpected.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat uncharacteristically

Emphasizes deviation from typical behavior or characteristics.

quite exceptionally

Highlights that something is an exception to the rule.

remarkably atypical

Focuses on the atypical nature of the subject.

distinctly out of the ordinary

Emphasizes the departure from the common or usual.

noticeably uncommon

Underscores the infrequency or rarity of the occurrence.

particularly rare

Highlights the scarcity or infrequency of something.

rather surprisingly

Focuses on the element of surprise associated with the action.

uncommonly enough

Highlights that something is a rare occurrence.

especially peculiar

Emphasizes the odd or strange aspect of something.

unusually singular

Highlights the unique or one-of-a-kind nature of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "rather unusually" to describe actions or situations that deviate from the norm. For instance, "Rather unusually, the sun didn't rise until 9 AM today." It adds a touch of surprise or mild astonishment.

What are some alternatives to "rather unusually"?

Alternatives include "somewhat uncharacteristically", "quite exceptionally", or "remarkably atypical". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "rather unusually"?

Yes, "rather unusually" is grammatically correct. It's an adverbial phrase used to modify a verb or adjective, indicating a degree of unexpectedness.

What's the difference between "rather unusually" and "unusually"?

While both describe something uncommon, "rather unusually" adds a degree of surprise or mild emphasis. "Unusually" simply states that something is not typical, while "rather unusually" suggests it's notably out of the ordinary. You can compare the nuances of "rather surprisingly".