are rare

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are rare" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is uncommon or infrequently encountered. Example: "Such opportunities are rare in today's job market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Convictions are rare.

The New York Times

Security updates are rare.

The Economist

Happily, these are rare.

The Economist

Investigative stories are rare.

The New Yorker

There are rare victories.

The New York Times

Spores are rare.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Those conditions are rare.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Geysers are rare.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Those moments are rare.

The New York Times - Books

Rolling checkpoints are rare.

The New York Times

But they are rare.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are rare", ensure the subject is clearly defined. Specificity enhances clarity. For example, instead of 'Opportunities are rare', consider 'High-paying job opportunities are rare'.

Common error

Avoid using "are rare" as a sweeping generalization without providing supporting evidence or context. Instead of saying 'Genuine acts of kindness are rare', specify where and when these acts are observed to be less frequent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are rare" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that the subject is uncommon or infrequently encountered. This usage aligns with Ludwig's data, demonstrating its role in expressing scarcity or infrequency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are rare" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys scarcity or infrequency. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, appearing predominantly in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and specificity to avoid overgeneralizations. Alternatives such as "are uncommon" or "are infrequent" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Overall, "are rare" serves as an effective way to highlight the exceptional nature or limited availability of a subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are uncommon

Replaces "rare" with a direct synonym, maintaining a similar level of formality.

are infrequent

Emphasizes the lack of frequency rather than scarcity, slightly shifting the focus.

are scarce

Highlights the limited availability or supply of something.

are few and far between

Idiomatic expression emphasizing the separation and infrequency of occurrences.

are in short supply

Focuses on the limited quantity or availability of something.

do not happen often

Simplifies the phrase to express the infrequent occurrence of something.

are a rarity

Turns the adjective "rare" into a noun, emphasizing the exceptional nature.

occur infrequently

Uses a verb to describe the lack of frequency.

are like gold dust

Idiomatic expression emphasizing the high value and rarity.

are thin on the ground

Idiomatic expression emphasizing the sparse distribution or availability.

FAQs

How can I use "are rare" in a sentence?

You can use "are rare" to describe something uncommon or infrequent. For example, "Sunny days are rare in Seattle".

What can I say instead of "are rare"?

You can use alternatives like "are uncommon", "are infrequent", or "are scarce".

Is it correct to say "is rare" instead of "are rare"?

No, "is rare" should be used with singular nouns, while "are rare" should be used with plural nouns. For example, "A blue moon is rare", but "Blue moons are rare".

What's the difference between "are rare" and "are unique"?

"Are rare" means something is uncommon, while "are unique" means something is one-of-a-kind and has no identical counterpart.