an uncommon request

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an uncommon request" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a request that is not frequently made or is unusual in nature. Example: "She made an uncommon request for a custom-designed cake that featured her favorite book characters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It can't be an uncommon request.

The New Yorker

While it's not an uncommon request to identify employees who are flight risks within an organization, the breadth and depth of such analysis may leave employees with a disquieting sense of being under surveillance.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was his standard response to the not uncommon request for skim milk by people who ordered lots of doughnuts.

The New York Times - Style

Journalists attending the event were required to "rent" the Wi-Fi for $200 for five devices – not an uncommon or unprecedented request.

TechCrunch

In the case of refugees and asylum seekers with challenging pasts, this is not an uncommon scenario nor is it an unreasonable request.

BMC Public Health

While the U.S. extradition request for Meng was seen as an uncommon event, the U.S. has gone after influential foreign executives in the past in high-profile cases.

The Washington Post

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

This is not an uncommon pattern.

Yale University

REI operates in an uncommon space.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and adjust the tone accordingly. For formal settings, maintain a professional demeanor when addressing such requests.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the rarity of the request. If it's only slightly unusual, using a more moderate term might be more appropriate to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an uncommon request" functions as a noun phrase, where 'uncommon' modifies the noun 'request'. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe a demand or solicitation that is not typical or frequently encountered.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an uncommon request" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a request that is not typical or frequently made. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While versatile, it is most prevalent in news, science, and wiki contexts. When employing this phrase, consider whether alternative phrasings might provide greater precision. Avoid overstating the request's uniqueness to maintain credibility. Top sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this expression. Remember to adjust the tone according to your audience for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unusual request

Emphasizes the deviation from the norm or what is typically expected in a request.

a rare request

Highlights the infrequency of the request, suggesting it's not often encountered.

an exceptional request

Indicates that the request is out of the ordinary and possibly requires special attention.

a peculiar request

Suggests the request is odd or strange, possibly causing curiosity or concern.

an unprecedented request

Implies that there's no prior instance of a similar request, marking it as entirely new.

an extraordinary request

Highlights the exceptional nature of the request, suggesting it goes beyond ordinary expectations.

an infrequent request

Simply points out that the request is not made often.

a singular request

Indicates that the request is unique or one of a kind.

a deviant request

Implies the request strays from accepted norms or standards.

an atypical request

Suggests the request does not conform to the usual type or pattern.

FAQs

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

You can use "an uncommon request" to describe a demand that is not frequently made. For example: "The client made "an uncommon request" for a meeting on a Sunday".

What are some alternatives to "an uncommon request"?

Alternatives to "an uncommon request" include "an unusual request", "a rare request", or "an exceptional request". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "an uncommon request"?

Yes, "an uncommon request" is grammatically correct. The article "an" is appropriate because "uncommon" begins with a vowel sound.

What's the difference between "an uncommon request" and "a strange request"?

"An uncommon request" implies the request is infrequent, while "a strange request" suggests the request is odd or peculiar. The former focuses on frequency, and the latter on the nature of the request.