to be rather

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be rather" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a degree of something, often indicating a moderate or somewhat significant quality. Example: "The weather seems to be rather unpredictable this time of year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They appear to be rather entrenched.

The New York Times

She turned out to be rather neurotic.

The Guardian - Arts

The reality turned out to be rather different.

The Guardian - Travel

Only, this being Augusta, he happens to be rather good.

The Guardian - Sport

And it turned out to be rather bloody good, too.

The Guardian - Music

I think they've been shown to be rather immature.

The Guardian - Tech

But the reality turned out to be rather more mundane.

The Guardian - Travel

I set out for this work to be rather filmic.

The Guardian

Yes, you'd expect him to be rather busy.

The Guardian

"Ecclesiastical stuff tends to be rather cheap," he says.

The New Yorker

The English seem to be rather unusual in the world.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be rather" to express a moderate degree of a quality or characteristic. It is suitable when you want to convey something is noticeable but not extreme.

Common error

Avoid using "to be rather" excessively in very casual conversations. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in everyday speech. Consider using simpler alternatives like "quite" or "pretty".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be rather" functions primarily as an intensifier, modifying an adjective or adverb to indicate a moderate degree. As Ludwig AI shows, it often appears before adjectives like 'difficult', 'good', or 'interesting', adding a nuanced level of qualification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

44%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be rather" is a versatile phrase used to express a moderate degree or qualification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts, ranging from news articles to scientific publications. Its primary function is to intensify adjectives or adverbs, providing nuance without exaggeration. While it can sound overly formal in casual conversations, it's a valuable tool for balanced and precise communication, specially in writing, as highlighted by the many examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be quite

Indicates a similar degree, but might suggest a slightly higher intensity.

to be somewhat

Suggests a slightly lower degree or intensity than "to be rather".

to be fairly

Similar in meaning, implying a moderate degree or extent.

to be reasonably

Indicates a moderate or acceptable level, close to "to be rather".

to be somewhat

Implies a smaller degree than "to be rather", suggesting slightness.

to be pretty

An informal way to express a similar degree of something.

to be moderately

More formal, suggesting a degree that is neither excessive nor deficient.

to be comparatively

Highlights a comparison, indicating a degree relative to something else.

to be relatively

Similar to "comparatively", but slightly less emphasis on direct comparison.

to tend to be

Highlights a consistent tendency rather than a present state.

FAQs

How can I use "to be rather" in a sentence?

Use "to be rather" to express a moderate degree of a quality. For example, "The task turned out "to be rather difficult"" shows the task was more than easy, but not extremely hard.

What phrases are similar to "to be rather"?

Similar phrases include "to be quite", "to be somewhat", or "to be fairly". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "to be rather"?

It's appropriate in formal writing, news articles, or when aiming for a balanced, moderate tone. Be mindful of the context, as it may sound overly formal in very casual settings. In those situations you may try "to be pretty".

Is "to be rather" interchangeable with "to be very"?

While both express a degree of something, "to be rather" indicates a more moderate degree than "to be very". "To be very" suggests a higher intensity or extent.