are rarely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are rarely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that does not happen often or is uncommon. Example: "These types of events are rarely seen in our community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They are rarely successful.

The Economist

Shots are rarely fired.

The New York Times

Petals are rarely present.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Civilians are rarely spared.

The Economist

Voices are rarely raised.

The Economist

Names are rarely given.

The New Yorker

Motives are rarely straightforward.

The Guardian

Killings are rarely investigated.

The New York Times

Processions are rarely thrilling.

The Guardian - Sport

Demonstrations are rarely tolerated.

The New York Times

They are rarely violent.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are rarely", ensure the subject is plural or non-countable. For example, "Opportunities are rarely missed" is correct, while "Opportunity is rarely missed" may need revision.

Common error

Avoid using "are rarely" with singular nouns. A common mistake is saying "The solution are rarely simple." Instead, use "The solution is rarely simple" or "Solutions are rarely simple."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are rarely" functions as an adverbial modifier indicating the infrequency of an action or state. It modifies a verb or adjective, specifying how seldom something occurs. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are rarely" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial modifier that indicates infrequency. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. When using "are rarely", ensure it's paired with plural subjects, and be mindful of the register; while acceptable in most formal and neutral settings, more casual alternatives might fit informal conversations better. Remember, precision in usage enhances clarity in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seldom are

Reverses the word order for emphasis, maintaining a formal tone and highlighting the infrequency.

almost never are

Emphasizes the infrequency by highlighting how close it is to never happening.

are infrequently

A slightly more formal variation using "infrequently" to denote rarity.

hardly ever are

Emphasizes the infrequency with a slightly more informal tone.

barely ever are

Suggests a minimal frequency of occurrence, almost not happening at all.

scarcely ever are

Similar to "hardly ever", but with a slightly stronger emphasis on the lack of occurrence.

infrequently are

Uses a more formal synonym for "rarely", suitable for academic or technical writing.

uncommonly are

Highlights the unusual nature of the occurrence.

not often are

Provides a more direct and simple way to express the infrequency.

are uncommonly

Shifts the emphasis slightly, focusing on the uncommon nature of the state or action.

FAQs

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

The phrase "are rarely" is used to indicate that something does not happen often. For example, "Sunny days "are rarely" seen in this region during winter."

What phrases are similar to "are rarely"?

Similar phrases include "seldom are", "hardly ever are", and "infrequently are". These alternatives also convey the idea of something not happening often.

Is it always appropriate to use "are rarely"?

While grammatically correct, "are rarely" is best suited for formal or neutral contexts. In very informal settings, phrases like "almost never are" might be more common.

What's the difference between "are rarely" and "is rarely"?

"Are rarely" is used with plural subjects, while "is rarely" is used with singular subjects. For example, "Opportunities "are rarely" available" (plural) versus "An opportunity "is rarely" missed" (singular).