I was shocked to discover that or rather is used with and without comma in a dictionary:
https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/or-rather
It is fear, or rather fears, that I want to speak about in this book.
But he'd had that last night – or rather, in the small hours of the
morning.
And it's the same on Google.
Does this mean the comma is optional for or rather?
Best Answer
Commas are used to clarify meaning. If the meaning is already clear, then they can be omitted.
In both examples there is punctuation before "or rather" (a comma in the first case, a dash in the second.
There is not need for a comma between "rather" and "fears" as this is just one word. There is no lack of clarity, and puctuating as
would be less clear.
So, yes, the comma is optional. It should be omitted if not needed.