an uncommon example of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an uncommon example of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a specific instance or case that is not typical or frequently encountered. Example: "This is an uncommon example of a species that has adapted to extreme environmental conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Not an uncommon example of humanity in South Carolina" At a Ku Klux Klan rally held at the South Carolina Statehouse on Saturday, there were many images of hate: men and women shouting slogans of bigotry and division, their clothing emblazoned with symbols of intolerance.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is an uncommon example for discoloration of the epithelial surface in the stomach, especially the gastric antrum and the duodenal bulb.

BMC Gastroenterology

It is a relatively uncommon example of the translation of efficacious trials to up-scaled real-world application.

BMC Public Health

However, as food bank use soars and benefits are cut nationwide, is it not crass to highlight such an extreme and uncommon example of abusing the system?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Pazuengos is an extreme but not uncommon example of what has happened all over Spain.

The New York Times

The role of phase transfer catalysts (PTC) in this uncommon example of industrial importance was studied by using tricaprylmethyl ammonium chloride (Aliquat-336), tetrabutyl ammonium chloride and cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide as PTC.

Chemical Engineering Science

The Sydney Hospital fountain and the Commonwealth Bank façade are two uncommon examples of the use of the Black Swan in decorative arts in eastern Australia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Wikipedia

Uncommon examples of resected NSCLC showing marked immune cell destruction reminiscent of immunological regression seen in renal and skin cancers have been reported [148].

European Journal of Cancer, Supplement

A telling (but not uncommon) historical example of the relationship between norms and group-membership was the division of England into the two parties of the Roundheads and Cavaliers.

SEP

To overcome this limitation, it is necessary to model unseen examples (using a discount) or uncommon examples (using smoothing).

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

The Cartoon Lounge: Name That Toon! Below is an example of a rather uncommon cartoon cliché, in which the caption is a lyric from a well-known song.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an uncommon example of" to introduce a specific instance that deviates from the norm, adding emphasis and intrigue to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "an uncommon example of" too frequently, as it can diminish its impact. Reserve it for truly exceptional instances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an uncommon example of" functions as a noun phrase modifier. It introduces a specific case or instance that is noteworthy because it deviates from the usual or expected, as Ludwig suggests, highlighting its rarity or uniqueness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an uncommon example of" is a grammatically sound phrase used to spotlight specific instances that are rare or unique. As noted by Ludwig, it is appropriate for a variety of contexts, including news, scientific publications, and academic writing. While widely accepted, it's best used judiciously to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives such as "a rare instance of" or "an unusual case of" to add variety to your writing. Be sure to use the article 'an' instead of 'a' before "uncommon". Overall, the phrase serves to draw attention to something exceptional, enhancing its memorability and significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a rare instance of

Emphasizes the infrequency of the example.

an unusual case of

Highlights the atypical nature of the example.

a unique illustration of

Stresses the distinctiveness of the example.

an infrequent occurrence of

Focuses on the limited number of times the example happens.

a scarce demonstration of

Indicates the limited availability of such examples.

an exceptional instance of

Highlights the superior quality or deviation from the norm of the example.

a remarkable showcase of

Emphasizes the impressive and noteworthy nature of the example.

a distinctive manifestation of

Points out the clear and recognizable form the example takes.

an atypical depiction of

Suggests the example represents something in a non-standard way.

a singular exhibition of

Implies the example is one of a kind and worth noting.

FAQs

How can I use "an uncommon example of" in a sentence?

Use "an uncommon example of" to highlight a specific instance or case that is not typical or frequently encountered. For example, "This is "an uncommon example of" a species that has adapted to extreme environmental conditions."

What are some alternatives to "an uncommon example of"?

You can use alternatives like "a rare instance of", "an unusual case of", or "a unique illustration of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a uncommon example of" instead of "an uncommon example of"?

No, it is not correct. The correct phrasing is ""an uncommon example of"" because "uncommon" begins with a vowel sound, requiring the indefinite article "an".

What's the difference between "an uncommon example of" and "a common example of"?

"An uncommon example of" refers to something that is rare or not often seen, while "a common example of" refers to something that is frequently encountered or typical.