an uncommon phenomenon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an uncommon phenomenon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event or occurrence that is rare or not frequently observed. Example: "The sudden appearance of a double rainbow in the sky is considered an uncommon phenomenon that captivates many observers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Rio's waste pickers, made famous by the movie Waste Land, are not an uncommon phenomenon.

The Guardian

This is an example of "programmed death," not an uncommon phenomenon in plant and animal development.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Cunningham ran for state Senate (not an uncommon phenomenon in New Jersey politics), and Anthony Chiappone and Louis Manzo joined him as Assembly candidates.

The New York Times

The downplaying of acquaintance rape in the media leads the public to believe that this kind of sexual assault is an uncommon phenomenon.

The New York Times

While the surge is not an uncommon phenomenon for a developing nation, some feel it is yet another barometer of how Western influences have rippled through Chinese society.

The New York Times

It could simply be that I'm losing my mind (always a possibility), but I suspect that this might not be an uncommon phenomenon.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are gaining popularity as a viable biological alternative to petroleum-derived polyolefin plastic materials, especially because their material properties can be tuned through monomer composition and configuration, an uncommon phenomena in enzymatic polymer products.

Polymer

It is not an uncommon phenomena for media to appeal to our stereotypes for the sake of positive effect and laughs.

Huffington Post

Such restless creativity means menu changes — a fairly uncommon phenomenon in a pie shop.

The New York Times - Food

So betrayal, in a not uncommon phenomenon, has a longer life than its perpetrators: the many intervening years cannot prevent the protagonist from feeling "shocked and duped".

The New York Times - Books

Volunteer rockers is a fairly uncommon phenomenon where a band will seem to rock more over time because of issues related to the time rather than the band.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something as "an uncommon phenomenon", provide context or evidence to support the assertion of its rarity or unusual nature.

Common error

Avoid using "an uncommon phenomenon" to describe something that is merely undesirable or inconvenient, rather than truly rare. Reserve this phrase for situations where the occurrence is statistically infrequent or scientifically noteworthy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an uncommon phenomenon" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It describes something that is rare or not frequently observed.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an uncommon phenomenon" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe something that is rare or infrequent. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is suitable for use in written English. It finds its home most frequently in scientific and news-related contexts. While "an uncommon phenomenon" is valid, consider alternatives like "a rare occurrence" or "an unusual event" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use it accurately, reserving it for truly rare or noteworthy situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a rare occurrence

Focuses on the infrequency of the event.

an unusual event

Highlights the deviation from the norm.

an infrequent incident

Emphasizes the lack of regularity.

a peculiar circumstance

Suggests a strange or odd situation.

an exceptional case

Highlights the deviation from typical cases or examples.

an extraordinary happening

Implies something beyond the ordinary.

a remarkable development

Focuses on the noteworthy nature of the unfolding situation.

a singular instance

Emphasizes the uniqueness of the occurrence.

an isolated example

Suggests the event stands alone without much correlation to other events.

an atypical situation

Highlights the non-standard nature of the context.

FAQs

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

You can use "an uncommon phenomenon" to introduce a situation or event that is rare or not frequently observed. For example, "The appearance of the aurora borealis at such a low latitude is "an uncommon phenomenon"".

What are some alternatives to "an uncommon phenomenon"?

Some alternatives include "a rare occurrence", "an unusual event", or "an infrequent incident" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

No, it is grammatically incorrect. The indefinite article "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound, while "a" is used before words that begin with a consonant sound. Since "uncommon" starts with a vowel sound, the correct form is ""an uncommon phenomenon"".

What's the difference between "an uncommon phenomenon" and "an extraordinary phenomenon"?

"An uncommon phenomenon" simply means something that doesn't happen often. "An extraordinary phenomenon" implies that the event is not only rare but also remarkable or exceptional in its nature.