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IMG Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

Where do we place "rather"?

Is it "Relationships with them is diplomacy rather than a real friendship" or "Relationships with them is rather diplomacy than a real friendship"? Or is it possible both ways?

And do we use "is" in that sentence or "are"?
  

Top answer

I think your sentence has other problems of number, and the meaning is obscured. ) them is a matter of diplomacy rather than friendship. ) them is rather a matter of diplomacy than friendship.

— Mister Micawber

  • I think your sentence has other problems of number, and the meaning is obscured.
  • ) them is a matter of diplomacy rather than friendship.
  • ) them is rather a matter of diplomacy than friendship.
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6 Answers
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I think your sentence has other problems of number, and the meaning is obscured. Here is another suggestion:

A relationship with (for?) them is a matter of diplomacy rather than friendship.
A relationship with (for?) them is rather a matter of diplomacy than friendship.
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This sentence is a part of the text, and, being in context, the meaning of it is quite clear.

So, it's possible to use "rather" before and after diplomacy. I see.

Why did you use "a" before "relationship"? It's uncountable noun, isn't it?
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IMGWhy did you use "a" before "relationship"? It's uncountable noun, isn't it?
It is normally countable. That is part of what makes your original sentences unclear.
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I understand. Thank you.
What if I say "Relationships with them are rather diplomacy than a real friendship."? Does it sound OK?
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IMGWhat if I say "Relationships with them are rather diplomacy than a real friendship."? Does it sound OK?
Yes, but again you're back to plural 'relationships', singular 'friendship' and uncountable 'diplomacy'!
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