a rare privilege

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rare privilege" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a unique or uncommon opportunity that is granted to someone. Example: "Being invited to speak at the international conference was a rare privilege that I will always cherish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

ANTHONY BOURDAIN: It is a rare privilege.

Harvard Business Review

This was indeed a rare privilege.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Private car-ownership was a rare privilege then, usually reserved for party leaders and functionaries.

The Economist

Mejia eventually gave De Caro access to the Vatican Library's card catalogue — a rare privilege.

The New Yorker

Living here and taking an active part in the rebuilding process has been a rare privilege.

The Economist

It's a rare privilege for a CEO and I'm very fortunate".

The Guardian - Business

He also recognized that we were all enjoying a rare privilege -- the unfolding of genius.

The New York Times - Books

They could even surf South Korean websites, a rare privilege in the totalitarian state.

The New York Times

To hear such devotion so creatively expressed is a rare privilege.

The New York Times - Arts

Sol's unfailing kindness, intelligence and delightful humor made knowing him a rare privilege.

The New York Times

Mamani, 42 and largely self-taught, is an architect with a rare privilege.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a rare privilege" to express gratitude or acknowledge the special nature of an opportunity. This phrase often conveys a sense of honor and appreciation for the chance afforded.

Common error

Avoid using "a rare privilege" lightly or in situations where the opportunity is not truly exceptional. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing seem insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rare privilege" functions as a noun phrase that serves to describe a particular situation or opportunity as being unique, special, and not commonly available. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rare privilege" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote an exceptional and uncommon opportunity. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to express appreciation or acknowledge the special nature of a situation. It appears most frequently in news media and formal business contexts, indicating a neutral-to-formal register. While it's a widely used phrase, it should be employed thoughtfully to maintain its impact. Considering related phrases like "an exceptional honor" or "a unique opportunity" can provide alternative ways to express similar sentiments, enriching your writing. Avoiding overuse of this phrase is also key to ensure it retains its intended significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an exceptional honor

Emphasizes the respect and esteem associated with the opportunity, focusing on the recognition received.

a unique opportunity

Highlights the singular and unrepeatable nature of the chance.

an exclusive advantage

Stresses the limited availability and competitive edge gained.

a singular distinction

Focuses on the characteristic of being different and noteworthy.

a special dispensation

Indicates a formal exception or permission granted.

a prized benefit

Highlights the value and desirability of the advantage.

an uncommon favor

Emphasizes the infrequency and kindness of the gesture.

a select opportunity

Underscores the careful choice and limited access involved.

a treasured advantage

Highlights the precious and valuable nature of the benefit.

a remarkable concession

Stresses the unexpected nature of the allowance.

FAQs

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

You can use "a rare privilege" to describe an opportunity that is special or not commonly available. For example, "Being invited to present my research at the conference was "a rare privilege".".

What are some alternatives to "a rare privilege"?

Alternatives include "an exceptional honor", "a unique opportunity", or "an exclusive advantage". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "the rare privilege" instead of "a rare privilege"?

While "the rare privilege" is grammatically correct, ""a rare privilege"" is more common when referring to a general instance. "The" is used when referring to a specific privilege already known to the reader.

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

"A rare privilege" implies something special and uncommon, whereas "a common courtesy" refers to a standard act of politeness. They are contrasting concepts.