a rare commodity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rare commodity" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to refer to a valuable thing which is scarce or not easily attainable. For example: "Truffles are a rare commodity, and are therefore incredibly expensive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's just a rare commodity.

The New York Times - Sports

Gravy is a rare commodity.

The New York Times

That extra time is a rare commodity.

The New York Times - Tech

Wonder is a rare commodity these days.

The New York Times

Logic was a rare commodity in those days.

The Guardian - Opinion

And patience is a rare commodity these days.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Best extras: Air-conditioning (a rare commodity on the islands).

The Guardian - Travel

But Finquel, it turns out, is a rare commodity.

The New York Times - Magazine

Community spirit is a rare commodity in America.

The New York Times - Sports

Electricity is a rare commodity; running water barely existed.

The New York Times

That was a rare commodity for the Yankees last season.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a rare commodity" to emphasize that something is both valuable and difficult to obtain. For example, "In today's fast-paced world, patience is a rare commodity."

Common error

Avoid using "a rare commodity" simply to describe something that is scarce but not necessarily desirable or valuable. For instance, saying "misinformation is a rare commodity" is inappropriate because misinformation is generally considered harmful, not valuable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rare commodity" functions as a noun phrase typically used as a subject complement or object. It serves to identify a particular attribute or characteristic of the noun it modifies, highlighting its scarcity and inherent value. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a rare commodity" is a versatile and widely used expression to denote something of value that is scarce. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically correct and commonly found in reputable sources, especially in news and media. When using the phrase, ensure that the described item is both valuable and difficult to obtain. Alternatives such as "a scarce resource" or "a precious asset" can be considered depending on the specific context. Remember that, while the term is common, applying it inappropriately to something negative or undesirable can lead to confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a scarce resource

Focuses on the limited availability of a resource, rather than its general desirability.

a precious resource

Emphasizes the high value and importance of the resource.

a valuable asset

Highlights the usefulness and contribution of something to overall worth.

something in short supply

Directly states the limited quantity of something, without necessarily implying value.

hard to come by

Indicates the difficulty in obtaining something, suggesting scarcity or high demand.

like gold dust

A simile expressing the rarity and preciousness of something.

uncommon

A simpler way to express not common, lacking the gravitas of "commodity".

scarce

A more succinct term, implying less abundance but lacks the connotation of value inherent in "commodity".

in demand

Focuses on the high level of interest and requests for something, which often leads to scarcity.

unique selling point

Referring to something that is a rare commodity that makes a product stand out from its competition.

FAQs

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

Use "a rare commodity" to describe something valuable that is difficult to find or obtain. For example, "In the age of instant gratification, genuine patience is "a rare commodity"."

What are some alternatives to saying "a rare commodity"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a scarce resource", "a precious asset", or "hard to come by", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a rare commodity" to describe something negative?

Generally, "a rare commodity" is used for something positive or desirable that is scarce. Using it for something negative might be confusing or ironic, unless the rarity itself is considered valuable in a specific context.

What's the difference between ""a rare commodity"" and "a common commodity"?

"A rare commodity" refers to something valuable that is not easily found, while "a common commodity" refers to something readily available and abundant.