むしろ
Meanings
- Rather
- Instead
- On the contrary
- More than anything, even more so
About this pattern
Explanation
むしろ is used to emphasize a preference or correction that goes against an initially expected idea or situation. It often marks a stronger or more appropriate alternative than what was previously considered, and it can contrast two possibilities. It functions like 'rather', 'instead', or 'on the contrary', and it can connect clauses to show that the second is more fitting than the first.
Learn in context
Example sentences
I had planned to go out early today; instead, I ended up going out late.
This plan isn't bad. Rather, if we cut costs a little, its effect would be bigger.
His talk was boring; rather, I became more sleepy.
People thought this medicine wouldn’t work, but rather the side effects are more worrying.
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More N3 patterns
It would be good if you do X; You should do X; It's enough to do X
View detailsIt would be nice if ...; It would be good if ...; Should ...; I hope ...
View detailsduring; while; throughout; in the process of
View detailswhile; during; between; in the period of
View detailsDuring the period of / while; Before something changes or happens; Within the time when ... happens
View detailsbefore it happens; before doing something becomes true; before it ends/advances; before it’s no longer possible; while still in the state of not ...
View details