Uses of word "rather"

[Zulaikha]

I don't know how to use rather word ? i want complete info about it ? can any tell me ? where i have to use this word ??? or how to use this word in sentence?

[Alan]

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Hi Zulaikha,

'Rather' has three main jobs:

1 It is a so called 'hedge' word in the sense it limits/modifies/curbs the meaning not 'too much' not 'too little' as in: The food in this restaurant is rather good. This suggests that the food is all right but not that amazing.

2 It is also a comparative adverb as in: I would much rather go to the theatre than the cinema.

3 It is also a conjunction. I didn't mean I was against it. Rather I thought it was a good idea.

Hope this gives you some idea.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
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