a scarce appearance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a scarce appearance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is rarely seen or occurs infrequently. Example: "The rare bird made a scarce appearance in the garden, delighting the birdwatchers who had been waiting for hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the North and the West, where migrants were plentiful but family history was scarce, appearance became the standard by default.

University of Chicago

"Wood was a scarce resource.

The New York Times

"Social housing is a scarce resource.

The Guardian

Space itself is a scarce commodity.

The New York Times - Arts

But worry is a scarce commodity.

The New York Times

Even chalk is a scarce resource.

The New York Times

In Britain, donor sperm is a scarce commodity.

The Guardian

Energy is a scarce resource on the far shore.

The Guardian

"It has elements of a scarce commodity," he said.

The New York Times

Reassurance is a scarce symbolic commodity in Delhi.

The New Yorker

Dedicated and effective activists are a scarce resource.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a scarce appearance" when you want to emphasize that something or someone is rarely seen or noticed. It's effective for creating a sense of mystery or elusiveness.

Common error

Avoid using "a scarce appearance" in everyday situations where simpler terms like "rare" or "infrequent" would suffice. Save it for instances where the rarity is particularly noteworthy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a scarce appearance" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates something is rarely seen. In the provided examples, its function aligns with describing infrequent occurrences or sightings.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a scarce appearance" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to highlight the infrequency of something being seen or observed. While Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, the phrase itself is relatively rare, best suited for neutral to formal writing contexts like news reporting or academic papers. Consider alternative phrases like "rare sighting" or "infrequent showing" for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a rare sighting

Highlights the unusual nature of seeing something.

a limited visibility

Focuses on the restricted nature of being seen.

an infrequent showing

Emphasizes the lack of regular appearances.

an occasional glimpse

Suggests a brief and irregular view.

an uncommon display

Focuses on the infrequency of a particular presentation or view.

a fleeting presence

Highlights the brief duration of the appearance.

an atypical showing

Emphasizes the unusual character of the appearance.

a seldom seen instance

Stresses the rarity of a specific event or example.

a diminished presence

Highlights a lack of presence.

a sporadic manifestation

Indicates an irregular or inconsistent occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "a scarce appearance" in a sentence?

You can use "a scarce appearance" to describe something that is rarely seen or occurs infrequently. For example: "The elusive bird made "a scarce appearance" in the garden, delighting the birdwatchers."

What can I say instead of "a scarce appearance"?

You can use alternatives like "a rare sighting", "an infrequent showing", or "an uncommon display" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "rare appearance" or "a scarce appearance"?

"Rare appearance" is generally more common and straightforward. "A scarce appearance" adds a slightly more formal or literary tone.

What's the difference between "a scarce appearance" and "a fleeting glimpse"?

"A scarce appearance" emphasizes the infrequency of seeing something, while "a fleeting glimpse" highlights the brief duration of the sighting.