a rare case

USAGE SUMMARY

'a rare case' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a particular instance or situation which is out of the ordinary or unexpected, and not seen very often. For example: "This is a rare case; I have never seen anything like it before."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Kiwanuka is not a rare case.

Independent

But he's a rare case.

The New York Times

But Red Hat is a rare case.

The New York Times - Tech

But this is a rare case.

The New York Times

This is a rare case of some justice being done.

The Guardian - Opinion

Call it a rare case of trans-Atlantic convergence.

The New York Times

It's a rare case where endorsements could backfire.

The New York Times

25 Batman 1989 ★★★ A rare case of Prince doing something for cash and profile.

The Guardian - Music

But in fact it's a rare case of Hollywood doing something sensible.

The New Yorker

This year was a rare case of the teams with the four best records advancing.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This was proven to be a rare case of aberrant liver, which extended into the IVC.

Insights into Imaging

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a rare case", ensure that the context clearly establishes what makes the case unusual or exceptional. Provide specific details to support the claim of rarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a rare case" as a filler phrase. Always ensure that the situation genuinely warrants the description of being rare and provide supporting evidence or context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rare case" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and widely used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a rare case" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote an exceptional or uncommon instance. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and readily applicable in written English. It appears across various contexts, predominantly in science and news media, suggesting a neutral register. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity and justification regarding what makes the case unusual. Alternatives such as "an unusual instance" or "an infrequent occurrence" can provide variety, but be mindful of the subtle differences in connotation. By understanding its function, purpose, and potential pitfalls, you can effectively integrate "a rare case" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unusual instance

Replaces 'rare' with 'unusual' and 'case' with 'instance', emphasizing the uncommon nature of the situation.

an infrequent occurrence

Substitutes 'rare' with 'infrequent' and 'case' with 'occurrence', highlighting the low frequency of the event.

an exceptional circumstance

Replaces 'rare' with 'exceptional' and 'case' with 'circumstance', focusing on the extraordinary aspect of the situation.

an uncommon situation

Uses 'uncommon' instead of 'rare' and 'situation' for 'case', keeping the meaning similar.

a singular example

Emphasizes the uniqueness with 'singular' replacing 'rare' and 'example' for 'case'.

a unique situation

Highlights the one-of-a-kind nature using 'unique' instead of 'rare', while keeping 'situation' similar to 'case'.

an isolated incident

Focuses on the separation from other events with 'isolated' and uses 'incident' as a replacement for 'case'.

an atypical event

Uses 'atypical' to convey 'rare' and 'event' instead of 'case', stressing the deviation from the norm.

a once-in-a-lifetime event

Dramatically emphasizes the infrequency, replacing "rare" with "once-in-a-lifetime" and "case" with "event".

a freak occurrence

Highlights the unexpected and unusual nature, replacing 'rare' with 'freak' and 'case' with 'occurrence'.

FAQs

How can I use "a rare case" in a sentence?

You can use "a rare case" to describe a situation that is not common or frequently observed. For example, "This instance of spontaneous recovery is "a rare case" in the medical field."

What are some alternatives to "a rare case"?

Some alternatives include "an unusual instance", "an infrequent occurrence", or "an exceptional circumstance". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to justify the use of "a rare case"?

While not always explicitly stated, it strengthens your argument to provide context or details that support why the situation is considered rare. Without justification, the phrase may sound subjective or unsubstantiated.

What's the difference between "a rare case" and "an unusual case"?

While similar, "a rare case" suggests that the situation is infrequent, while "an unusual case" implies that it deviates from the norm or is unexpected. They are often interchangeable, but nuance exists.