Not particularly common

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Not particularly common" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not frequently encountered or observed. Example: "While many people enjoy classical music, it's not particularly common among younger audiences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

It may even be that such a tactic is not particularly common.

The Guardian - Books

"That's not particularly common," said Francis Dietz, spokesman for the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), an industry group.

The Washington Post

Murder is not particularly common in New Zealand, with more people killed in the mosque attacks last week than are usually killed in an entire year.

The Washington Post

The carbonate mud was produced through the life cycle of green algae, but fossils are not particularly common in these lithologies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While not particularly common in the less populated areas of the state, urban centers like the aforementioned Hudson County, Newark, and Camden have a tradition of sending their leaders off to Trenton without making them relinquish their jobs at home.

Harvard University

While assaults in schools are not particularly common, an eerily similar series of five knife attacks took place in August and September 2004 in schools and a child care center.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

While diesel cars aren't particularly common in the U.S., they're abundant on European roads.

MIT Technology Review

It's got something that isn't particularly common; it'll do in a pinch.

The New York Times - Arts

They aren't particularly common, but they aren't actually too rare either; in fact, according to the Guardian, they've been documented since the early-19th Century.

Forbes

Snow isn't particularly common in Ain Sefra.

HuffPost

Unfortunately, official taxis aren't particularly common, except in the busier shopping and nightlife districts.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not particularly common" to introduce a statement that something is less frequent than one might expect, providing context or setting expectations appropriately.

Common error

Avoid using "not particularly common" when something is exceptionally rare; reserve it for situations where the occurrence is infrequent but still within the realm of possibility. If something never happens, it is better to use expressions such as "almost nonexistent" or "virtually unheard of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not particularly common" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifically intensifying the adjective "common". According to Ludwig AI, this is a grammatically correct and usable expression, indicating that something is less frequent than generally expected.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

48%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not particularly common" is a versatile expression used to indicate that something is less frequent than might be expected. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It functions as an adverbial modifier, adding nuance to descriptions by moderating claims of frequency. While suitable for various registers, it is most frequently found in scientific, news, and academic contexts. When writing, use "not particularly common" to manage expectations and provide context about the prevalence of a subject. Related phrases include "relatively uncommon" and "somewhat rare".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Relatively uncommon

Emphasizes the comparative rarity.

Somewhat rare

Highlights the scarcity of the subject.

Not especially frequent

Focuses on the lack of frequency.

Moderately unusual

Stresses the deviation from the norm.

Not widely seen

Indicates limited visibility or occurrence.

Infrequent to some extent

Highlights that is not a frequent occurrence.

Less often encountered

Focuses on the rate of encounters.

Not generally prevalent

Emphasizes the lack of widespread presence.

To a limited degree typical

Expresses that is typical but in a limited way.

Marginally atypical

Highlights the slight deviation from the typical.

FAQs

How can I use "Not particularly common" in a sentence?

You can use "Not particularly common" to describe something that occurs less often than expected. For example, "While solar eclipses are fascinating events, they are "not particularly common" in any single location".

What are some alternatives to "Not particularly common"?

Alternatives include "relatively uncommon", "somewhat rare", or "not especially frequent". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "Not particularly common" or "Rare"?

"Not particularly common" suggests something occurs infrequently but isn't extremely rare, whereas "rare" implies a higher degree of scarcity. Choose the phrase that most accurately reflects the actual frequency of the subject you're describing.

How does "Not particularly common" compare to "Uncommon"?

"Uncommon" indicates something is not frequently encountered. "Not particularly common" softens the statement, suggesting a slightly higher frequency than "uncommon" alone. The addition of "particularly" adds a degree of emphasis that tempers the overall rarity implied.