rather we can

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rather we can" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used in contexts where one option is being contrasted with another, but it requires additional context to be grammatically correct. Example: "I don't think we should go to the beach; rather, we can visit the museum instead."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Rather, we can renounce the fiction of music's innocence.

The New Yorker

Rather, we can have faith in existing ones, and change the way we think about consumption.

The Guardian

Rather, we can have a much wider interpretation of what a robot is.

MIT Technology Review

Rather, we can create interventions that are responsive to young adults' current capacity and that nurture their ongoing development while holding them accountable for their behavior.

Harvard University

I don't want to say that the next Mark Zuckerberg or head of Google will come from Senegal – rather, we can create our own tools that can be exported globally".

The Guardian

Rather, we can expect (repetitive) W-curves.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Rather, we believe we can continue to best serve readers there through our global newsroom, the Opinion vertical and our Maghreb edition that covers Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria.

HuffPost

Or rather: all we can do is imagine it.

Independent

However, it is not Justice Rehnquist's ascension we should be compelled to consider, but rather how we can make this process meaningful.

The New York Times

And why say care is a bad thing – rather than "we can make it better" – if it is care under your watch?

The Guardian - Opinion

I feel, rather, that we can make arrangements.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to present an alternative, ensure the introductory word, such as "rather", is followed by a complete clause that clearly contrasts with the previous statement. Avoid incomplete constructions that may sound awkward or grammatically incorrect. For example, instead of "I don't like cats, rather we can adopt a dog", say "I don't like cats; instead, we can adopt a dog".

Common error

A common error is using "rather" without a clear contrast or alternative being presented. Ensure that the phrase following "rather" offers a distinct alternative to what was previously stated. For example, avoid saying "The sky is cloudy, rather we can stay home", as this doesn't provide a clear alternative action. A better construction would be "The sky is cloudy; instead, we can stay home and watch a movie".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather we can" functions as a transitional phrase introducing an alternative or contrasting idea. However, Ludwig AI indicates this construction isn't considered grammatically correct in standard English. It aims to present a choice but lacks proper structure for clear communication.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

35%

Academia

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rather we can" serves to introduce an alternative or contrasting viewpoint. However, according to Ludwig AI, this construction is not considered grammatically correct in standard written English. Although it's common across various sources like News & Media and Science, alternative phrases such as "instead we can", "alternatively we can", or "conversely we can" offer clearer and more grammatically sound options. When aiming for clarity and correctness, particularly in formal writing, opting for these alternatives is advisable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instead we can

This option replaces "rather" with "instead", offering a more direct and grammatically sound alternative.

conversely we can

Using "conversely" provides a contrasting element similar to "rather", but with better grammatical flow.

alternatively we can

This substitution offers another grammatically acceptable way to introduce an alternative course of action.

on the other hand we can

This phrase offers a more formal and explicit contrast to a previously mentioned idea.

by contrast we can

Using "by contrast" clearly signals a differing perspective or action.

in contrast we can

This alternative emphasizes the difference between two options or ideas.

instead we might

Changes the auxiliary verb to "might", suggesting a possibility rather than a definite ability.

perhaps we should

This suggests a recommended course of action instead of stating an ability.

maybe we can

Expresses a possibility, softening the definitive tone of "we can".

on the contrary we can

This phrase introduces a statement that contradicts a previous one, offering a strong contrast.

FAQs

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

Use "rather" to introduce an alternative or contrast to a previous statement. Ensure a complete clause follows "rather" to express the alternative clearly. For example: "I don't like coffee; rather, I prefer tea".

What are some alternatives to "rather we can" that improve grammatical clarity?

Alternatives include "instead we can", "alternatively we can", or "conversely we can". These options provide clearer and more grammatically sound ways to introduce an alternative action or perspective.

Is "rather we can" grammatically correct?

According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "rather we can" is not considered grammatically correct in standard written English. While it may appear in various sources, it's advisable to use more structured alternatives for improved clarity and correctness.

What's the difference between "rather we can" and "instead we can"?

"Rather we can" is often considered grammatically awkward. "Instead we can" offers a direct and grammatically sound alternative, clearly indicating a substitute action or choice.