was rather fast

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'was rather fast' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe the speed of something in an objective way. For example, "The racecar driver was rather fast, completing the lap in just forty-five seconds."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Biological significance of maternal microchimerism is rather complicated29.

Nature

When compared to the rat model of acute MI from Tillmanns et al., FAPα expression levels are rather moderate35.

Nature

On the optimal catalyst prepared on washcoated SGF, carbon forms as CNF of diameter 20 50 nm, and the carbon capacity is rather high 55 gC/gNi.

Catalysis Today

We assume that overstaying is rather high.8.

IZA Journal of Migration

The human emotional status is rather intangible[2], and therefore cannot be directly measured.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

Hence, the sublayer thickness of PP is rather 100 nm than 125 nm.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The impact test value on the fusion line for 5 kJ/mm heat input is rather low 33 J/cm2.

International Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering

Sample size was generally limited and cut-off for antibody positivity was rather low (1 10).

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders

Compared to the literature, our deep infection rate (3.4%) was rather low [18].

Health Economics Review

But, the overall vibe of the audience was rather PG-13, almost childish.

Los Angeles Times

However, relative IDI was rather small (1.5%).

Diabetes Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was rather fast" to convey a measured assessment of speed, suitable when you want to acknowledge speed without exaggeration.

Common error

Avoid using additional intensifiers with "was rather fast", such as "was very rather fast", as "rather" already indicates a degree of speed. Redundancy weakens the statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was rather fast" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun (implied subject) by describing its speed. It uses the verb "was" to link the subject with the descriptive adjective phrase "rather fast". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was rather fast" is a grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to describe something that moved at a considerable speed. According to Ludwig AI, it's a valid English phrase. While the phrase is neutrally registered, the lack of examples suggests a limited range of application and the need for more context to better understand its use. Consider alternative phrases such as "was quite speedy" or "was fairly quick" to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was quite speedy

Replaces "fast" with "speedy" and "rather" with "quite", offering a slightly different nuance.

was fairly quick

Substitutes "fast" with "quick" and "rather" with "fairly", indicating a moderate level of speed.

was reasonably rapid

Employs "rapid" instead of "fast" and "reasonably" in place of "rather", suggesting a measured assessment of speed.

exhibited considerable velocity

Uses more formal language to describe speed, replacing common terms with "velocity" and "considerable".

moved at a brisk pace

Shifts from direct speed description to a more descriptive term, "brisk pace", to imply speed.

was surprisingly swift

Adds an element of surprise to the speed, replacing "rather" with "surprisingly" and "fast" with "swift".

was notably accelerated

Focuses on the acceleration aspect of speed, suggesting a change in velocity that was noticeable.

demonstrated an elevated tempo

Uses "tempo", a term more common in music or rhythmic contexts, to describe a fast rate or pace.

proceeded at a heightened rate

Employs more formal vocabulary, using "heightened rate" to denote an increased speed of progression.

displayed marked celerity

Replaces common terms with more sophisticated vocabulary, using "marked celerity" for emphasis.

FAQs

How can I use "was rather fast" in a sentence?

Use "was rather fast" to describe something that moved with considerable speed, but not excessively so. For example, "The cheetah's sprint was rather fast, allowing it to catch its prey."

What's a good alternative to "was rather fast"?

You can use phrases like "was quite speedy", "was fairly quick", or "was reasonably rapid" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "was quite fast" instead of "was rather fast"?

Yes, "was quite fast" is a grammatically correct alternative. Both phrases convey a similar meaning, with slight variations in emphasis. "Rather" suggests a bit more unexpectedness than "quite".

What is the difference between "was somewhat fast" and "was rather fast"?

"Was somewhat fast" and "was rather fast" are similar, but "rather" implies a slightly higher degree of speed than "somewhat". "Was somewhat fast" suggests a mild degree of speed, while "was rather fast" indicates a more noticeable level.