a most uncommon instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a most uncommon instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or occurrence that is rare or unusual. Example: "The discovery of a new species in the urban area was a most uncommon instance in the field of biology."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Bound for Glory" captures Guthrie vividly; he was fearsomely gifted and ambitious, and also egalitarian — a most uncommon man.

The New Yorker

It's a common question with a most uncommon answer.

Forbes

In T-shirt, shorts and untied pumps, he looked like that most uncommon of urban creatures: a relaxed author.

The Guardian - Books

Mary Soames was a wondrously unpretentious grandee; a truly Churchillian amalgam of the common and the most uncommon.

Huffington Post

Tropical glaciers are the most uncommon of all glaciers for a variety of reasons.

Wikipedia

A full amphitheater erupted in what felt like the most uncommon of united applause.

Los Angeles Times

The most uncommon site of their occurrence is a middle cerebral artery (MCA).

Acta Neurochirurgica

"Bound for Glory" captures Guthrie vividly; he was fearsomely gifted and ambitious, and also egalitarian a most uncommon man.

The New Yorker

In very uncommon instances, the person declines this option of a regular telephone contact as well.

Dementia

Take, for instance, the mamaRoo, a most advanced bouncing chair.

The New York Times

The story about the Queen [A novella, The Uncommon Reader, 2007], for instance.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a most uncommon instance" to highlight a situation that significantly deviates from the norm. This phrasing is best suited for formal writing or when you want to emphasize the exceptional nature of the event.

Common error

Avoid using "a most uncommon instance" in casual conversations or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound stilted or unnatural in everyday contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a rare case" or "an unusual situation" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a most uncommon instance" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. It describes a specific occurrence or event, emphasizing its rarity and exceptional nature. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a most uncommon instance" is a grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize the rarity or exceptionality of a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. However, its limited presence across various sources suggests it is not frequently used. Due to the lack of usage examples, it's difficult to pinpoint its precise register or typical contexts, though it leans towards formal. When writing, reserve this phrase for situations where you want to strongly emphasize the unusual nature of something, and be mindful of the potential for it to sound overly formal in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an exceedingly rare occurrence

Emphasizes rarity more strongly using "exceedingly" instead of "most uncommon".

a particularly unusual case

Replaces "uncommon" with "unusual" and "instance" with "case", offering a slightly different nuance.

an exceptionally infrequent situation

Substitutes "uncommon" with "infrequent" and "instance" with "situation", highlighting the low frequency of the event.

a strikingly atypical example

Uses "atypical" instead of "uncommon" to emphasize the deviation from the norm.

a remarkably scarce event

Replaces "uncommon" with "scarce" to stress the limited availability or occurrence of the event.

a notably singular circumstance

Highlights the unique or individual nature of the event using "singular" instead of "uncommon".

a supremely rare phenomenon

Uses "phenomenon" to describe the instance, suggesting an observable and noteworthy event.

an incredibly exceptional occasion

Replaces "uncommon" with "exceptional", emphasizing the outstanding or unusual character of the occasion.

a decidedly out-of-the-ordinary situation

Emphasizes the non-standard nature of the situation with more descriptive language.

a profoundly unique happening

Highlights the distinctiveness of the event by using "unique" and "happening".

FAQs

How can I use "a most uncommon instance" in a sentence?

You can use "a most uncommon instance" to describe something that is rare or exceptional. For example, "The discovery of a new species in this region was "a most uncommon instance"."

What are some alternatives to saying "a most uncommon instance"?

Alternatives include phrases like "an exceedingly rare occurrence", "a particularly unusual case", or "an exceptionally infrequent situation" depending on the specific context.

Is "a most uncommon instance" formal or informal?

"A most uncommon instance" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, or literary contexts. Less formal alternatives might be better for casual conversation.

What makes "a most uncommon instance" different from "an uncommon instance"?

The addition of "most" intensifies the rarity or exceptionality of the instance. "A most uncommon instance" suggests something is not just uncommon but strikingly so, setting it apart from "an uncommon instance".