an uncommon delight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an uncommon delight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is pleasantly surprising or not often experienced. Example: "The dessert was an uncommon delight, leaving everyone at the table in awe of its unique flavors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

In 1820, historian Edward Holt would write of the prince's character, "Though Prince Octavius had not passed his fifth year, he was considered very docile, and possessed good-nature in such an uncommon degree, that he was the delight of all about him".

Wikipedia

An uncommon object sure to delight interiors fanatics everywhere.

The Guardian - Books

The lasting delight of this book is that while reading it every corner of the globe seems closer, an uncommon sensation for most of us until two decades ago.

The New York Times

Rudolph had an uncommon upbringing.

The Guardian - Film

This is an uncommon experience.

The New Yorker

Not an uncommon reaction, apparently.

The New York Times

REI operates in an uncommon space.

The Guardian

It is not an uncommon tale.

The Guardian

So we take an uncommon approach.

The New Yorker

"It's not an uncommon condition.

The New York Times - Sports

Dollar Shave Club may be an uncommon event.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an uncommon delight" to describe experiences or things that are both pleasurable and not frequently encountered. This adds emphasis to the rarity and specialness of the delight.

Common error

Avoid using "an uncommon delight" to describe everyday occurrences. This phrase is best reserved for truly exceptional or unusual pleasures, to prevent diluting its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an uncommon delight" functions as a descriptive expression, modifying a noun (which could be implicit or explicit). It describes something as being both pleasing and rare, contributing to a sense of exceptional enjoyment.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an uncommon delight" is a phrase used to describe something that is both pleasurable and rare. As indicated by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, although it's best reserved for truly exceptional instances. The phrase functions descriptively, conveying a sense of heightened pleasure and emphasizing the unusual nature of the delightful experience. While its usage is not extremely frequent, it appears in reputable sources and offers a sophisticated way to express enjoyment and surprise. Alternatives such as "a rare treat" or "a delightful surprise" can be used to achieve similar effects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A delightful surprise

Directly combines the elements of pleasure and unexpectedness.

An exceptional pleasure

Highlights the high quality and enjoyment derived.

A unique pleasure

Highlights the one-of-a-kind nature of the enjoyable experience.

A singular delight

Stresses the uniqueness and distinctiveness of the pleasurable experience.

A surprising pleasure

Highlights the unexpected nature of the delightful experience.

A rare treat

Emphasizes the infrequency and specialness of the delight.

An unexpected treat

Emphasizes the unforeseen and pleasant nature of the experience.

A remarkable joy

Emphasizes the noteworthiness and exceptional quality of the joy.

An unusual joy

Focuses on the unexpected and unique nature of the happiness.

A distinctive joy

Indicates a unique and memorable source of happiness.

FAQs

How can I use "an uncommon delight" in a sentence?

You can use "an uncommon delight" to describe something that brings a unique and unexpected pleasure. For example: "The dessert was "a delightful surprise", offering flavors I had never encountered before".

What's a good alternative to "an uncommon delight"?

Alternatives include "a rare treat", "an exceptional pleasure", or "a delightful surprise", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "an uncommon delight" formal or informal?

"An uncommon delight" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it leans slightly towards the formal due to the use of "uncommon". Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

When is it appropriate to use "an uncommon delight"?

Use "an uncommon delight" when you want to emphasize that something is not only enjoyable but also rare or unexpected. It's perfect for describing experiences that stand out from the ordinary.