a rare thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rare thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is uncommon or not frequently encountered. Example: "Finding a four-leaf clover is a rare thing, as most clovers only have three leaves."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That's a rare thing".

Independent

"It's not a rare thing.

Independent

A rare thing today".

The Guardian

Genuine independence is a rare thing.

The Economist

That used to be a rare thing.

The New York Times

A strengthening dollar is a rare thing.

The Economist

It's a rare thing this.

The Guardian - Film

This is a rare thing.

The New York Times

Mystery is a rare thing today.

The Guardian - Film

Consensus is a rare thing in education.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"But he also shows the fragile side of manhood--a rare thing in a writer".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a rare thing", consider the specific context to ensure the phrase accurately conveys the intended level of infrequency or uniqueness. It is important to make sure that the reader understands clearly what is the unusual aspect of the subject in question.

Common error

Avoid using "a rare thing" when describing something that is merely uncommon but not genuinely rare. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and credibility. Be accurate in your assessment of rarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rare thing" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It serves to identify and describe something that is uncommon or infrequent. As seen in Ludwig, it's often used to emphasize the scarcity or uniqueness of a particular attribute, event, or object.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rare thing" is a noun phrase used to describe something uncommon or infrequent. Ludwig confirms that the expression is grammatically sound and frequently used, particularly in news and media. It serves to emphasize the exceptional or unusual nature of a subject. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to use the phrase accurately, avoiding overuse in situations that are merely slightly unusual. The provided examples and related phrases offer a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively incorporate "a rare thing" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a rarity

A more concise way of expressing that something is not commonly found.

an uncommon occurrence

Emphasizes the infrequency of an event or situation.

seldom seen

Focuses on the infrequency with which something is observed or encountered.

a scarce commodity

Highlights the limited availability or abundance of something.

an infrequent phenomenon

Focuses on the irregularity of a natural event or observable fact.

an exceptional case

Suggests that something deviates from the norm and is unusual.

a unique event

Stresses the singularity and distinctiveness of an occurrence.

an anomaly

Highlights that something deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected.

a novelty

Indicates that something is new, unusual, and often exciting.

a collector's item

Suggests that something is valuable and difficult to obtain, making it desirable.

FAQs

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

You can use "a rare thing" to describe something uncommon or infrequent, for example: "Genuine altruism is "a rare thing" in politics."

What are some alternatives to "a rare thing"?

Alternatives to "a rare thing" include "an uncommon occurrence", "a scarce commodity", or "an infrequent phenomenon", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is it always appropriate to use "a rare thing"?

While grammatically correct, "a rare thing" should be used when something is genuinely uncommon. Avoid using it for situations that are merely slightly unusual or uncommon. Overuse diminishes its impact.

What makes "a rare thing" different from "a unique thing"?

"A rare thing" implies infrequency or scarcity, while "a unique thing" suggests that something is one-of-a-kind and without equal. They are not always interchangeable.